Hours After J.J. McCarthy’s Honest Confession, Dan Orlovsky Reveals Why Michigan Star Will Be a Great Fit for Vikings

JJ McCarthy was invited to Adam Schefter’s podcast, where he was asked how he would feel if he ended up with the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy replied, “It would be the world … Coach O’Connell, he’s a guy that I’d run through a brick wall for. Everything that he wants to do with a football team, is something I think I want to be a part of,” making his intentions clear just hours ahead of the draft.

Though the Vikings’ head coach is yet to react to McCarthy’s statement, the former Wolverines QB has received support from former Lions QB, further strengthening McCarthy’s case. Orlovsky also explained why the Michigan Star would be a great fit for them and how the move would benefit both parties.

Dan Orlovsky advocates for JJ McCarthy

A fan page for the Vikings took to X on April 22nd to post a comment from former NFL player Dan Orlovsky on JJ McCarthy. He said, “When it comes to the play-action game, which he played a ton at Michigan, and would continue that in Minnesota, he is the best in this class. If Minnesota takes him, he is by far the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.” Orlovsky was referring to McCarthy’s skill in playing the fake pass game, in which a player pretends to run a play but then plays a pass play. It can be considered as the opposite of a draw play.

Orlovsky was full of praise for McCarthy, expected to be an early pick in the upcoming draft. He further states how moving to the Vikings would help McCarthy, as the latter stands a chance to be the offensive Rookie of the Year. Orlovsky’s comments come merely hours after McCarthy’s admission to play under coach Coach O’Connell, further strengthening the rumors about the Vikings picking up McCarthy. However, there are rumors that the Washington Commanders, slated at #2 pick, are also interested in McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy vs. Drake Maye at the NFL draft

The Commanders met with multiple QBs in Ashburn, Virginia, hoping to draft a top QB for their squad, but they were not impressed after meeting Jayden Daniels. Meanwhile, Adam Schefter also reported that Jayden Daniels wants to be elsewhere but the Commanders camp. So, it was down to Drake Maye vs. JJ McCarthy for the Washington side.

However, with the recent developments around McCarthy, the Commanders may like to go ahead with Drake Maye. On the other hand, Maye was excited by his visit to Ashburn as he tells ESPN, “I actually thought it was one of the cooler events I’ve been on.” This leaves McCarthy open for the Vikings, who have the #11 pick in the draft. However, several analysts have hinted that the Vikings would go for a trade-up, most probably to acquire Drake Maye.