**NFL Shifts in 2025: J.J. McCarthy’s Viking Journey and Ashton Jeanty’s Impact on Running Back Value**
*By [Your Name], Sports Correspondent | April 14, 2025*
—
As the NFL continues to evolve in terms of player value and positional importance, two significant stories are currently capturing headlines across the league: the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback conundrum involving former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty potentially redefining the value of the running back position just weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Together, these narratives encapsulate the crossroads at which the league currently finds itself—balancing traditional roles with the modern, dynamic demands of football.
—
### J.J. McCarthy: Waiting for the QB1 Crown
In what’s becoming a highly scrutinized offseason for the Minnesota Vikings, J.J. McCarthy’s recent comments have turned heads—not necessarily because of what was said, but rather what wasn’t.
Speaking during an appearance on *The Up & Adams Show* with Kay Adams, McCarthy revealed that the Vikings have yet to inform him whether he will be the starting quarterback in 2025. The statement caught the attention of NFL pundits and fans alike, especially considering the team’s offseason moves—or lack thereof—in securing a veteran QB.
> “And I’m happy they didn’t [name me QB1], because I try to earn it every single day,” McCarthy said. “It’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day.”
While McCarthy’s humility and work ethic are admirable, they raise questions about the Vikings’ internal planning and confidence in the 2024 first-round pick, who missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus followed by a second surgery in November. Now fully recovered and back in training, McCarthy says he feels “100 percent,” although he remains committed to his rehab process to ensure full durability heading into training camp.
The Vikings’ quarterback situation became more complicated after Sam Darnold, the 2024 starter, signed a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. The team also failed to retain Daniel Jones, who chose a one-year, $14 million opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts for a better shot at starting.
According to sources, the Vikings briefly explored signing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers even reportedly expressed interest in joining the team, but Minnesota ultimately opted to go forward with McCarthy—at least for offseason workouts and minicamp.
Yet, the door remains open for a potential late-summer move, depending on how things unfold. Neither GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah nor head coach Kevin O’Connell has commented publicly, but Adofo-Mensah is expected to meet with the press this week, possibly shedding light on McCarthy’s current role.
—
### Ashton Jeanty and the Running Back Renaissance
While Minnesota deliberates on quarterback leadership, another player has quietly emerged as a symbol of the NFL’s changing offensive identity—Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Projected as a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty has become the face of what many are calling the “running back renaissance.” Once a position in decline—rarely selected early in recent drafts—running backs are regaining importance thanks to players like Jeanty, Saquon Barkley, and Derrick Henry.
Jeanty was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024 and led Boise State to the College Football Playoff. His college performance, reminiscent of vintage backs who could dominate both in the run game and as receivers, has drawn comparisons to Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey.
> “It’s a great time to be coming into this league,” Jeanty said at the NFL Combine. “I can see the value of running backs is definitely going to go back up.”
Last season, Jeanty rushed for over 1,800 yards while also catching 43 passes for 569 yards and five touchdowns. His numbers dipped slightly in 2024 due to offensive system changes, but scouts and GMs remain high on his ability to be a three-down back in the NFL.
—
### Barkley, Henry, and the Resurgence of RBs
This shift in valuation isn’t happening in a vacuum. The NFL witnessed an unprecedented impact from the running back position in 2024, as Saquon Barkley helped power the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award—the second straight year a running back won the honor following Christian McCaffrey’s 2023 campaign.
Meanwhile, Derrick Henry, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens last offseason, racked up 1,921 yards, giving the league its highest combined total for two leading rushers (3,926 yards) since 2005.
Executives and coaches are taking notice.
> “These are guys that impact games,” Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said. “They’re not just runners—they’re weapons.”
Even conservative evaluators are warming up to the idea of investing high draft picks in running backs again. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Jeanty projected to go No. 6 overall and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton at No. 12, with three additional backs forecasted for the second round.
If that projection holds, this would mark a significant uptick from the 2024 draft, where just one running back—Jonathon Brooks—was selected in the top two rounds.
—
### A New Draft Era?
Despite the optimism, history remains a cautionary tale. The last running back taken No. 1 overall was Ki-Jana Carter in 1995, a decision that didn’t pan out due to injuries and inconsistent play. NFL teams have been reluctant ever since to prioritize backs that high.
Still, teams like the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons are reaping the benefits of investing in dynamic young backs. Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) and Bijan Robinson (Falcons) have added much-needed balance to high-powered offenses, helping their teams reach the postseason.
> “Explosive plays are very close to the turnover margin in determining wins,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales noted. “Running backs like Jeanty create those plays.”
—
### Jeanty’s Outlook and the Future
Jeanty understands that his versatility is his most valuable trait. Not only can he run between the tackles, but he can line up as a slot receiver, run routes, and force defenses into uncomfortable mismatches.
> “It’s a good thing to be so versatile,” Jeanty said. “Not only does that increase my draft stock, but it helps my game even more.”
At 6’0″ and 210 pounds with top-end speed and soft hands, Jeanty embodies the prototype for the modern NFL running back. As offenses continue to adopt hybrid schemes blending power and spread principles, players like him could become centerpieces rather than afterthoughts.
—
### Final Thoughts
As the NFL approaches its 2025 Draft and offseason programs begin to take shape, two stories stand out:
J.J. McCarthy, with all the promise and pressure of leading one of the league’s most storied franchises, remains in limbo, fighting to prove he’s ready to take the reins. Meanwhile, Ashton Jeanty is poised to redefine a position long thought devalued, potentially reshaping how franchises approach the draft and build their offenses.
Both players represent the future—but in vastly different ways.
Whether McCarthy cements his role as Minnesota’s quarterback of the future or Jeanty breaks the mold to become the highest running back drafted in years, one thing is clear: The NFL of tomorrow is taking shape today.
—
*Stay tuned for full 2025 NFL Draft coverage, team analysis, and more player spotlights as the offseason continues.*
