J.J. McCarthy has a chance to explode in his first year in the league under the tutelage of Kevin O’Connell in an offense with as many weapons as the Vikings have. McCarthy was a polarizing prospect coming out of Michigan, where his primary role was managing games. He showed dynamic playmaking ability, however, in sparing moments when he was forced outside of the game plan.

His polarization is keeping his value down, and missing his entire rookie year with a knee injury is pushing it down even further. While he sits around QB13 in Dynasty leagues, he’s an absolute steal in redraft going in the 13th round as the 19th QB off the board on average.

I like to put stock in track records and personal relationships in a game with so many variables and undetectable stimuli. McCarthy’s situation gives me a good feeling about his chances to succeed even as early as next year. Kevin O’Connell’s ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks makes me want to take a shot on McCarthy even with the lingering unknowns. I’m drafting him in as many start-up drafts as I can and currently have him as a top 14 QB in redraft.

–Blake Stachel (@bllakkay)