As Vikings Fight to Sign Drake Maye & J.J. McCarthy, Ex Gophers DC Breaks Down NFL Duo’s Prospects

Caleb Williams is unarguably the best quarterback in the upcoming draft, with many experts slating him to be the top pick. But the next top QB slot is up for grabs between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. However, JJ McCarthy joined the race after his impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, adding a fourth element to the Top 4 QB list debate.

The Maye vs. McCarthy debate has become chaotic as experts differ on who the Minnesota Vikings should draft since they are slated for the #11 pick. Contributing to the Vikings’ confusion, the former Gophers DC has shared his analysis of the two stars.

Joe Rossi provides his analysis of JJ McCarthy and Drake Maye

In an interview with Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune, former Gophers defensive coach Joe Rossi provided a detailed breakdown of Drake Maye from the Tar Heels and JJ McCarthy from the Michigan Wolverines. He started by delivering his assessment of Drake Maye. He says, “I think he’s super talented.” He further added that Maye has a good arm and is very accurate. Despite being billed at 6’4″, Maye moves well for his size. Rossi is also aware of Maye’s weakness, as he mentions how they rushed him and did not give him escape lanes.

Next up was JJ McCarthy, for whom Rossi says, “He did a really good job managing and distributing the ball.” Rossi further adds that in McCarthy’s case, he had support from every corner of the field. “He had playmakers everywhere, whether it was the tailbacks, the tight ends, the receivers. I thought he was really good off the run game in play-action and throwing over the top of defenses.” Rossi then explains how they planned not to let McCarthy go out of the pocket as they wanted to restrict his off-the-feet movements.

Read more: JJ McCarthy Joins Dan Quinn’s QB Conundrum as NFL Insider Reveals Bob Myers & Adam Peters’ Role in Commanders’ Draft Pursuit

Although the Gophers lost both matches, 31-13 to the Tar Heels and 52-10 to the Michigan Wolverines, the insights provided by Rossi would be helpful during the draft, especially for the Minnesota Vikings.

Joe Rossie provides his verdict on JJ McCarthy vs. Drake Maye

To summarize his assessment of both players, Rossi says they are top-tier talents. “After seeing both of them, watching them and game-planning them, I think they’re both first-round players,” But this isn’t enough for the Minnesota Vikings as they can only pick one, so Rossi makes their job easier.

Rossi explains that if the Vikings want someone proficient in the drop-back game and throw, Maye is the better option with his arm strength and accuracy. However, if the Vikings want to carry their offense with a run-game, play-action, and throw-the-ball-over-the-top approach, they should draft McCarthy.

Read more: 2024 NFL Draft: Coaches Back Michael Penix Jr. Over J.J. McCarthy and Other QB Prospects Besides Caleb Williams