During the NFL off-season, speculation runs high with numerous hypothetical scenarios, and the Minnesota Vikings have already seen their fair share of such discussions.

Given that Caleb Williams expressed a preference for joining the Vikings rather than the Chicago Bears, the similarity between him and his 2024 draft equivalent, J.J. McCarthy, will likely dominate discussions leading up to their Week 1 showdown.

This won’t even mark the beginning of the comparisons McCarthy will face.

Before the training camp began, the Vikings issued a statement that will subject McCarthy to intense examination from both fans and the media even before the season commences.

On May 19, the Vikings announced that they will host the New England Patriots for

joint practices

, and particularly notable is Drake Maye, this summer.

As Minnesota surveyed the 2024 quarterback draft prospects looking for someone to take over from Kirk Cousins, Maye appeared to be the top gem in the Vikings’ treasure chest.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Vikings

attempted to trade up

To select Maye, but New England rejected the proposal and instead chose Maye. Maye was picked as the third overall selection after Williams and Jayden Daniels.

However, when the Atlanta Falcons shocked the league by picking Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, the Minnesota Vikings quickly moved to stay ahead, jumping from the eleventh spot to tenth to ensure they got McCarthy.

Following the news about shared practice sessions, McCarthy will find himself on the same field as all the quarterbacks who were selected ahead of him in the 2024 draft.

The first-year signal-callers all enjoyed injury-free campaigns and secured permanent starting roles, whereas McCarthy sat out the previous season due to a torn meniscus.

McCarthy will have plenty of narratives to ignore if he aims to meet the lofty expectations set for him in the coming season.