The joint practices between the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings, among other things, provided an opportunity. It gave Jesse Minter and his staff a chance to evaluate the opposing quarterbacks. They also provided a chance for Minter to reconnect with someone he knows as well as almost anyone in football.
Before becoming Baltimore's head coach, part of his coaching journey included two seasons with the Michigan Wolverines, during which he helped guide them to a national championship. During that time, he worked closely with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has since become a piece of Minnesota's current plans.
Following Thursday's practice session, Minter took some time to speak with media members. He was asked about the young quarterback
and where he currently stands in his development. The Ravens coach didn't hesitate to offer a glowing assessment.
"J.J. [McCarthy], obviously, I was at Michigan with him for two years. I love J.J. We had a really good relationship."
The praise didn't stop there. While Minter acknowledged McCarthy remains a young player learning the professional game, he also highlighted many of the traits that made him one of college football's most successful quarterbacks and eventually a first-round NFL draft pick.
Minter sees a quarterback with rare traits.
McCarthy's athletic ability has never been questioned. His arm talent, mobility, and playmaking instincts helped Michigan reach the top of college football, and Minter believes those qualities remain evident today.
"He is a gamer. He is a winner. He makes plays. He can make plays with his legs. He can make all the throws."
Those comments carry weight coming from a coach who watched McCarthy develop firsthand. Minter wasn't evaluating him from afar or relying on film study alone. He spent two seasons seeing how McCarthy handled pressure, prepared for games, and responded to the expectations that come with leading a championship-caliber program.
For that reason, it was notable that Minter's praise centered as much on intangibles as physical talent. The terms "gamer" and "winner" are often reserved for players coaches trust in critical moments. At the same time, Minter made it clear he believes McCarthy's development remains a work in progress.
Jesse Minter believes more growth is coming for J.J. McCarthy
Transitioning from college football to the NFL is rarely a smooth process, even for highly drafted quarterbacks. Minter noted that McCarthy operated within a different offensive structure at Michigan than the one he is now learning in Minnesota.
"He had a pretty expansive run game at Michigan, and there was not maybe always the same type of concepts that he is doing now, so I think he is still learning."
That observation wasn't intended as criticism. If anything, it underscored why Minter remains optimistic about McCarthy's future. The Vikings believe they have their quarterback of the future.
The Ravens coach sounded like someone who understands exactly why. He has already seen McCarthy evolve from a talented young prospect into a championship quarterback and a first-round draft pick.
Now, as McCarthy continues navigating the next stage of his career, Minter believes the ceiling remains higher than what people have seen so far. For a quarterback already carrying significant expectations in Minnesota, that may have been the most meaningful endorsement he could receive from someone who knows his game better than most.
As the Ravens prepare for another season with championship aspirations, McCarthy is now staring up at Kyler Murray on the depth chart, perhaps hoping to establish himself as Minnesota's long-term answer at the game's most important position. Based on Minter's comments, the Vikings quarterback still has plenty of development ahead of him, but the coach who helped shape his college career believes the foundation for something special is already there.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter praises J.J. McCarthy's upside
