McCarthy enters the spring as the presumed starter for next season, with no real competition on the roster and team brass fully behind him.

After answering multiple questions about J.J. McCarthy, the first-round draft pick who didn’t play as a rookie because of a torn meniscus, O’Connell provided an important update about the future franchise quarterback as the Vikings arrived back in the building for the start of the offseason program.

McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions in his final year with Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a national championship. While he still has no NFL reps, he's spent the past year learning from an offensive-minded coach in O'Connell and is now looking to use what he's learned under center in Minnesota.