The Minnesota Vikings are at a pivotal moment. After a 14-win 2024 season led by Sam Darnold, the franchise is handing the keys to J.J. McCarthy, a young quarterback with immense potential but no NFL starting experience due to a 2024 knee injury. As the 2025 season approaches, the pressure is on for McCarthy to deliver in a competitive NFC North, facing teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. But success for a first-year starting quarterback isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about the players around him. In this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano break down the five most important Vikings players (excluding coaches) who will shape McCarthy’s journey, offering fresh insights for Skol Nation. Whether you’re a die-hard Vikings fan in Minneapolis or an NFL follower curious about the next big quarterback, this episode is a must-listen for its unique angle on McCarthy’s path to greatness.

“McCarthy’s the number one topic right now for the Minnesota Vikings, but how can we find anything new? Well, I think this is it,” says host Tyler Forness, setting the stage for a fresh perspective.

McCarthy’s success hinges on his teammates, and Forness and Stefano’s analysis promises to reveal who will make the difference. By focusing on players rather than rehashing McCarthy’s arm talent or potential, the show offers a compelling narrative that keeps fans engaged, especially those eager to see how the Vikings’ revamped roster supports their new QB.

The Players Who Will Define McCarthy’s 2025 Season

A New Angle on McCarthy’s Success

With training camp less than three weeks away, Forness and Stefano tackle the question: Who are the most important Vikings players for J.J. McCarthy’s success? They deliberately exclude coaches like Kevin O’Connell and Wes Phillips, focusing solely on offensive players for their direct impact on McCarthy’s performance. This approach avoids the repetitive McCarthy discussions that have dominated Vikings media, offering a novel lens through which to view the team’s 2025 prospects.

“We’ve tried to avoid talking about J.J. McCarthy specifically because there really isn’t a whole lot to talk about right now… But I thought this was an interesting way to talk about him because he is the most important figure with the Minnesota Vikings,” Forness explains.

No. 5: Josh Oliver, The Unsung Hero

Forness kicks off his list with a surprising choice: tight end Josh Oliver, ranked No. 5 for his role as a blocking specialist and safety valve. Oliver’s job as the second tight end (TE2) in the Vikings’ offense is less glamorous than catching passes, but his ability to act as an “extra tackle” is vital for protecting McCarthy.

“He’s going to be a security blanket in more ways than one… helping McCarthy just get his feet underneath him and give him an option when things collapse or preventing things from collapsing,” Forness notes.

Oliver’s blocking prowess strengthens the offensive line, a critical factor for a young quarterback facing aggressive NFC North defenses. His presence also allows the Vikings to maintain their offensive scheme without over-relying on an injured T.J. Hockenson early in the season. Forness emphasizes the strategic advantage of Oliver’s contract, made possible by McCarthy’s rookie deal, highlighting how financial flexibility enables the Vikings to bolster their roster around a young QB.

Stefano, meanwhile, opts for wide receiver Jordan Addison at No. 5, citing his role as a dynamic playmaker who complements star receiver Justin Jefferson. Addison’s ability to exploit single coverage when defenses focus on Jefferson gives McCarthy a reliable secondary target, easing the pressure on him driving towards wins.

No. 4: Jordan Mason, The Short-Yardage Specialist

Forness’s No. 4 pick is running back Jordan Mason, a choice that sparks intrigue due to the presence of veteran Aaron Jones. Mason’s value lies in his potential to improve the Vikings’ woeful short-yardage rushing game, which struggled in 2024. By converting third-and-short situations and goal-line carries, Mason can reduce the burden on McCarthy, allowing him to avoid high-pressure passing scenarios.

“A guy like Mason, being able to convert a third and two or a third and three or get a goal line touchdown will help ease that burden significantly… He can just hand it off and trust that Jordan Mason’s gonna get that short yardage gain,” Forness argues.

Forness envisions a situational role for Mason, complementing Jones’s pass-blocking and receiving skills. This balance ensures McCarthy operates in a quarterback-friendly offense, a key factor for his development. Stefano, on the other hand, selects tight end T.J. Hockenson at No. 4, valuing his reliability as a pass-catcher and potential chemistry with McCarthy.

No. 3: T.J. Hockenson, The Chemistry Builder

Both hosts converge on T.J. Hockenson, with Forness placing him at No. 3 and Stefano at No. 4. Hockenson’s role as a versatile tight end who can threaten vertically and run choice routes makes him a critical asset. His ability to find open space and build chemistry with McCarthy is likened to the Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection, albeit on a smaller scale.

“So much of what Hockenson is good at is those choice routes… It’s hitting up the seam, it’s finding some of that space and being able to hit him in stride,” Forness explains.

Hockenson’s recovery from a 2023 injury adds urgency to his integration with McCarthy. Stefano shares a personal anecdote about his high school chemistry with his quarterback, emphasizing the importance of instinctual understanding—a quality Hockenson and McCarthy must develop quickly to elevate the offense.

No. 2: Justin Jefferson, The Game-Changer

No Vikings list would be complete without Justin Jefferson, unanimously ranked No. 2 by both hosts. Jefferson’s gravity as an elite receiver forces defenses to adjust, creating opportunities for teammates like Addison, Hockenson, and Oliver. His off-field mentorship of McCarthy, from sharing lockers to attending basketball games together, further amplifies his impact.

“He’s a tremendous wide receiver. He is on a path to being the best wide receiver in the history of the National Football League,” Forness declares.

Jefferson’s ability to maintain production despite quarterback changes in 2023 and 2024 bodes well for McCarthy. His presence simplifies the McCarthy’s reads, as defenses often roll coverages toward him, leaving others in single coverage. Stefano highlights Jefferson’s leadership, noting his efforts to mentor McCarthy and foster a strong quarterback-receiver bond.

No. 1: Ryan Kelly, The Veteran Anchor

The consensus No. 1 is center Ryan Kelly, a veteran whose pre-snap responsibilities make him indispensable. Kelly’s role in calling protections, aligning the offensive line, and syncing with McCarthy alleviates the first-time starter’s mental load, allowing him to focus on reading coverages and making audibles.

“Having that faith in your center to be able to make all those protection checks… it’s a game changer,” Forness emphasizes.

Stefano echoes this sentiment, envisioning Kelly and McCarthy studying film together, with the veteran imparting knowledge about defensive alignments. Kelly’s experience, combined with his rapport with McCarthy, positions him as the linchpin of the offense, ensuring the line operates cohesively against formidable opponents like the Green Bay Packers.

The Bigger Picture: A Quarterback-Proof Roster

The episode’s value lies in its broader implications. Forness and Stefano argue that the Vikings’ roster, meticulously built over three years, insulates McCarthy from the pitfalls that plague many young quarterbacks. By surrounding him with elite talent like Jefferson, a reliable tight end in Hockenson, and a veteran center in Kelly, the Vikings create a “quarterback-proof” environment where mistakes are less costly.

“Surroundings matter… Think of how many talented quarterbacks go to teams that are just, just have dog shit organizations and they’re just not ready to support a great talent at quarterback and how often those guys fail,” Forness reflects.

The hosts draw parallels to other teams, like the Washington Commanders’ success with Jayden Daniels, suggesting the Vikings’ approach could set a trend in the copycat NFL. This strategic roster construction, coupled with the players highlighted, positions McCarthy for both short-term growth and long-term success.

McCarthy’s Path to Greatness

The Vikings have built an elite roster to maximize McCarthy’s potential. Players like Ryan Kelly, Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and Josh Oliver form a robust support system, addressing protection, playmaking, and situational needs. This foundation allows McCarthy to develop without the crushing pressure faced by quarterbacks on less-prepared teams, like Trevor Lawrence or Caleb Williams.

Forness and Stefano’s analysis delivers on its promise, offering Vikings fans a reason to be optimistic about 2025. By focusing on the players who will shape McCarthy’s debut, they provide a fresh perspective that avoids repetitive quarterback hype, instead emphasizing the team’s collective strength. The episode’s conversational tone, peppered with humor and personal anecdotes, makes it accessible and engaging, while its insights resonate with fans eager for a playoff push.

“This is a good conversation… I think it’s cool to talk about McCarthy because he’s our guy. He’s gonna be the quarterback of the future,” Forness concludes.

Listen:

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Gain a deeper understanding of McCarthy’s environment, and be hopeful that the Vikings’ investment in their roster will yield results. Whether McCarthy becomes a star or a solid starter, the players around him ensure he has the tools to succeed, making The Real Forno Show a vital resource for SKOL Nation.

FAN WITH US!!!

Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Question:

Who do you think is the most important Vikings player for J.J. McCarthy’s success in 2025, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!