A little birdie told me....

[StickierBuns]

So my 'little birdie' in the fringe of the org. reached out late yesterday and we had a little Viking's talk discussion as part of the convo. Just a smidge, but he said and I quote: 'The players, the coaches and the organization are nuts over McCarthy. He's won them over in record time. They feel he's even more than they envisioned once he set foot in Eagan after the Draft'. 

I think you are going to see Minnesota swing for the fences in FA and the Draft next year.

[MaroonBells]

So my 'little birdie' in the fringe of the org. reached out late yesterday and we had a little Viking's talk discussion as part of the convo. Just a smidge, but he said and I quote: 'The players, the coaches and the organization are nuts over McCarthy. He's won them over in record time. They feel he's even more than they envisioned once he set foot in Eagan after the Draft'. 

I think you are going to see Minnesota swing for the fences in FA and the Draft next year.

You can tell just through KOC's body language.

[The ghost formerly known as PG]

McCarthy is the guy I hoped for from the get go. I was ecstatic when we picked him. His demeanor, his team first attitude, dedication to always get better, the maturity, and his hunger to be great are such awesome attributes and then you add in his athleticism…. Am so excited about this kid!!!

[StickierBuns]

McCarthy is the guy I hoped for from the get go. I was ecstatic when we picked him. His demeanor, his team first attitude, dedication to always get better, the maturity, and his hunger to be great are such awesome attributes and then you add in his athleticism…. Am so excited about this kid!!!

Yep, he's 'that guy'. Not to get too hyperbolic, but McCarthy is going to be a game-changer for the Vikings. Changing narratives. Winner mentality is in the house at QB, with the high end athleticism and arm talent that don't usually go with a 'college winner'.

[JR44]

I really do think there was a chance of him beginning the season as the starter and if not early in the season. He just has that "it" factor that would have made it hard for them not to play him. Such a bummer to lose him for the season.

[AGRforever]

Sure sure sure. Except he’s injury prone!!!

[MAD GAINZ]

You can tell just through KOC's body language.

It's interesting because in his interviews after we picked McCarthy, he seemed guarded.  Obviously liked him or they wouldn't have made the trade up to get him.  But then when he spoke about him after mini-camp, you could tell there was genuine excitement and some effort to hold back.  Kevin was a QB and he was trying to be professional and not throw Darnold under the bus before he started.  Especially when they were likely counting on him to be the Week 1 starter.

Then training camp rolls around and you could tell KOC "knew" JJ was the guy, especially after the first preseason game.  Exciting times for the organization.  Just need to get him healthy and watch him cook next year.

[MaroonBells]

It's interesting because in his interviews after we picked McCarthy, he seemed guarded.  Obviously liked him or they wouldn't have made the trade up to get him.  But then when he spoke about him after mini-camp, you could tell there was genuine excitement and some effort to hold back.  Kevin was a QB and he was trying to be professional and not throw Darnold under the bus before he started.  Especially when they were likely counting on him to be the Week 1 starter.

Then training camp rolls around and you could tell KOC "knew" JJ was the guy, especially after the first preseason game.  Exciting times for the organization.  Just need to get him healthy and watch him cook next year.

That's exactly the way I saw it too. Even that "REEEALLY" look he gave KAM on draft day seemed a little uncomfortable. But I thought it was just me. My guess at the time was that he was really hoping the Pats would take our offer and he was a little miffed he wasn't able to get "his" guy, who was obviously Maye. 

Fast forward three months and he was absolutely giddy about McCarthy. I think there were reasons he had McCarthy below Maye, and those reasons must've just dissipated when the kid took the field. 

Still early, but I think Harbaugh was right.

[MAD GAINZ]

That's exactly the way I saw it too. Even that "REEEALLY" look he gave KAM on draft day seemed a little uncomfortable. But I thought it was just me. My guess at the time was that he was really hoping the Pats would take our offer and he was a little miffed he wasn't able to get "his" guy, who was obviously Maye. 

Fast forward three months and he was absolutely giddy about McCarthy. I think there were reasons he had McCarthy below Maye, and those reasons must've just dissipated when the kid took the field. 

Still early, but I think Harbaugh was right.

I know right?  I thought I was reading too much into it being the #3 biggest fan of JJ McCarthy (right behind his parents at #2 and Sticky #1), but I really think he went from a guy they "loved" at a certain pick to a guy they LOVE once they got him in the building and saw what he's all about.

These workouts and draft interviews give teams a quick look at guys, but you never really know for sure until you get them in the building and see them everyday. 

I think we'll look back on this draft in 3 years and JJ will be in the discussion for top QB in the class.

[purplefaithful]

WTF?

I thought this was a Charlie Walters thread?