NFL phenom Justin Jefferson's astonishment at Shedeur Sanders' predicted fall in the 2025 NFL draft
Hit the Gridiron, Vikes Fans! Here's the lowdown on the Minnesota Vikings' QB team, straight from star WR Justin Jefferson himself.
Jefferson recently spoke up about the team's quarterback dilemma and "couldn't believe" that phenom Shedeur Sanders slid to the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to Bleacher Report. Jefferson thinks Sanders should've been drafted way higher, especially after witnessing his impressive college career at Colorado.
Now, let's talk about the Vikings' current QB crew. Rookie J.J. McCarthy, the team's first-round pick in '25, has been handed the starting reins. If McCarthy falters, the Vikings will be left with journeymen Sam Howell and Brett Rypien.
Jefferson, naturally, wouldn't publicly endorse another QB, but it's hard not to wonder if he'd rather have Sanders tossing him passes. The Vikings' quarterback room ranked fourth-worst in the NFL, according to cbssports.com.
McCarthy had a promising preseason, tearing his meniscus, which adds uncertainty to his readiness for the '25 campaign. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell elaborated, mentioning they "evaluated" Aaron Rodgers but are "hopeful" McCarthy can step up as the team's starter. Not the most ringing endorsement!
If McCarthy falters, Howell might step in, but his performance in prior seasons with the Commanders hasn't been stellar. Howell led the league in pass attempts and also led in interceptions—with 21 pick-offs in '23. The team's defense was terrible, forcing Howell to compensate by taking big risks that often resulted in turnovers.
The Vikings also have rookie Max Brosmer, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota. Brosmer's potential could earn him the third-string spot over Brett Rypien.
All in all, it appears Jefferson's encouraging Sanders to keep that chip on his shoulder. Whether Sanders will become an NFL starter is uncertain, but one thing's clear: the Vikings could use a reliable QB in '25!
- In a potential future, the Minnesota Vikings might consider forcing a switch from J.J. McCarthy to Shedeur Sanders, who Jefferson believes should have been drafted higher in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Currently, Aaron Rodgers is evaluated as a possible solution for the Vikings' quarterback dilemma, but the team seems hopeful McCarthy can step up as the starter.
- If McCarthy's preseason injury causes him to falter, Sam Howell could be the next man up for the Vikings, given his journeyman status and a historically subpar performance in the NFL, including leading the league in interceptions in 2023.
- In what can be considered a promising sign, the Vikings have also taken a close look at undrafted rookie Max Brosmer from the University of Minnesota, with the potential for him to claim the third-string spot over experienced QB Brett Rypien.
- With a quarterback room ranked fourth-worst in the NFL and inconsistent performances from their current options, it seems Justin Jefferson has good reason to encourage Shedeur Sanders to keep his confidence high as the Vikings could undoubtedly benefit from a reliable quarterback in the 2025 season.
