The Minnesota Vikings are at a pivotal moment in their 2025 offseason, with all eyes on quarterback J.J. McCarthy and the incoming rookie class. On the May 9, 2025, episode of The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano, the duo dives into the quarterback conversation, the upcoming rookie minicamp, and the potential for undrafted free agents (UDFAs) to make waves. Aired as part of the Vikings 1st & SKOL production in partnership with Fans First Sports Network, this episode blends expert analysis, fan passion, and insider insights to unpack the Vikings’ path forward. From McCarthy’s development to a Nebraska cornerback drawing Adam Thielen comparisons, here’s what fans need to know.

J.J. McCarthy: The QB1 Debate That Isn’t

The biggest storyline surrounding the Vikings is the status of J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his impressive preseason and recovery from a 2024 meniscus injury, head coach Kevin O’Connell has yet to officially name McCarthy the starting quarterback. For some fans, this sparks concern, but Forness quickly dismisses the narrative as overblown.

“Kevin O’Connell refuses to name J.J. McCarthy the starting quarterback, and it does not matter one bit,” Forness declares early in the episode. “They have named J.J. McCarthy the starting quarterback. You just haven’t been paying attention.”

Forness emphasizes O’Connell’s intentional communication style, contrasting it with the bluntness of former Vikings coaches like Mike Zimmer. O’Connell, alongside general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, chooses words carefully, embedding clues about McCarthy’s role. A key moment came during O’Connell’s appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed McCarthy’s reps with starting center Ryan Kelly.

“When he [McCarthy] is taking snaps, he’s taking plenty of snaps from Ryan Kelly, who happens to be a 10-year starting offensive center in the league,” O’Connell said, per Forness. “That is, for me, O’Connell saying, ‘That’s my starting quarterback.’ The backup does not take snaps from the starting center.”

This relationship between quarterback and center is critical, Forness explains, as it builds chemistry essential for timing and cadence. McCarthy’s work with Kelly signals he’s being groomed as QB1, despite O’Connell’s reluctance to make a formal announcement. Forness argues this approach aligns with McCarthy’s own desire to earn the role.

“J.J. McCarthy said, ‘I want to earn everything,’” Forness notes. “They are in lockstep on this.”

The hosts also address the role of Sam Howell, recently acquired by the Vikings. Howell, with only 12 days in the system, faces a steep learning curve to adapt to O’Connell’s offense. Forness sees Howell as a developmental backup, not a genuine threat to McCarthy’s position.

“Sam Howell has been a Viking for 12 days,” Forness says. “He’s never played in a Kevin O’Connell-type system. He has a lot to learn.”

O’Connell’s focus, Forness explains, is on teaching and development during this offseason phase, where “there’s no negative outcomes.” McCarthy is mastering the playbook, refining mechanics, and building rhythm—hallmarks of a quarterback poised to lead.

“He’s owning it,” Forness says, quoting O’Connell. “That’s footwork, that’s rhythm, that’s timing, that’s running the huddle, that’s running the show. That’s starting quarterback kind of thing.”

Rookie Minicamp Preview: First Glimpses of the Future

With the rookie minicamp set for May 9-12, 2025, at TCO Performance Center, the episode shifts to what fans can expect from the Vikings’ newest players. Forness and Stefano highlight the controlled nature of minicamp, where drills focus on learning rather than full-contact competition.

“This is the learning, the teaching phase,” Forness says, echoing O’Connell. “There’s no plays that don’t go your way and have a real impact on the team. They’re all just learning moments right now.”

Key draft picks like offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and wide receiver Tai Felton are expected to draw attention, but Forness cautions that offensive linemen like Jackson may not shine in non-contact settings. Instead, skill players and defensive backs will have a chance to stand out in seven-on-seven drills.

“Tai Felton has some stiffness to his hips,” Forness admits, addressing the fourth-round pick’s limitations. “But the entire Maryland offense ran through him. If Keenan McCardell loves you, I’ll defer to him because that guy knows what he’s doing.”

Felton’s role as a potential WR4 behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor is discussed, with Forness estimating a “five or 10%” chance Felton could unseat [Jalen] Nailor. The hosts also touch on fifth-round edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, whose elite athleticism (98th percentile Relative Athletic Score) makes him a project with high upside.

“He’s almost six-six, 275 pounds, he can bend a little bit, and he’s explosive,” Forness says. “But right now, he’s not a good football player per se. He’s got an elite tool set, but he’s like an apprentice.”

The Vikings’ coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, will aim to refine Ingram-Dawkins’ raw talent, potentially molding him into a versatile defender like Pat Jones or Jihad Ward.

The Undrafted Gem: Tommi Hill’s Chance to Shine

The episode’s most intriguing discussion centers on Tommi Hill, a non-roster invitee from Nebraska who Forness believes could follow in Adam Thielen’s footsteps. Hill, a former receiver turned cornerback, missed time in 2024 due to a plantar fasciitis injury but made headlines by shutting down Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick.

“He stifled Travis Hunter, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the best wide receiver in college football,” Forness says. “That gets you in the door, but how do you keep that door from opening and closing in front of you?”

Hill’s attributes—size, length, aggression, and ball skills—make him a compelling prospect. Forness sees him as a potential early Day 3 pick who fell due to injuries and limited defensive snaps (under 1,200). His minicamp invite offers a golden opportunity to earn a spot on the 90-man roster.

“This is how Adam Thielen made the team,” Forness reminds listeners. “If you make the 90-man roster out of rookie minicamp, you’ll have a leg up on everybody else because you proved something when you had everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

Hill’s health will be a focal point, as the Vikings will evaluate his recovery from plantar fasciitis. If he performs well, Forness believes Hill could challenge for a roster spot, potentially outshining veterans like Dwight Glover.

Secondary Concerns and Roster Battles

The episode also addresses fan questions, including concerns about the Vikings’ secondary, which ESPN and PFF labeled the team’s biggest weakness. Forness acknowledges the narrative but trusts Flores’ ability to maximize the current group, led by Byron Murphy, Mekhi Blackmon, and Isaiah Rogers.

“You don’t need elite defensive backs. You just need to not suck,” Forness says. “If you feel comfortable with Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rogers, and Mekhi Blackmon as your top three corners, and Brian Flores is cool with it, that’s fine.”

Forness projects a secondary-heavy draft in 2026 to address long-term needs, especially with Harrison Smith’s potential retirement and expiring contracts for Josh Metellus and Rogers. For now, the unit is “fine,” with potential for Murphy and Rogers to elevate the group.

Other roster battles discussed include the tight end three competition, where sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew holds an edge over UDFAs Bryson Nesbit and Ben Yurosek. Offensive line depth is another focus, with Justin Skule and Walter Rouse likely to secure spots, though Logan Brown could challenge if he overcomes past injury and character concerns.

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Looking Ahead: Schedule Release and Vikings’ Ambitions

The episode closes with a tease for the NFL schedule release on May 14, 2025, when Forness and Stefano plan a live reaction show. Rumors of the Vikings playing back-to-back international games—against the Steelers in Dublin in week 4 and the Browns in London the following week—add intrigue. Forness notes the historical significance, as the Steelers matchup would mark the first NFL rivalry played in three countries.

“It would be the first matchup in NFL history to have been played in three different countries,” Forness says. “That’s huge.”

With eight home games, seven road games, and two neutral-site contests, the Vikings have a favorable schedule to leverage their elite roster. Forness is bullish on their 2025 outlook, projecting McCarthy could lead the team to 12 wins under O’Connell’s guidance.

Why You Should Tune In

The Real Forno Show delivers a masterclass in Vikings analysis, blending Forness’ expertise with Stefano’s fan-friendly energy. This episode is a must-watch for SKOL faithful eager to understand McCarthy’s trajectory, discover breakout rookies like Tommi Hill, and prepare for the 2025 season. Subscribe to the podcast and to the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel, ring the bell, and join the live schedule release show on May 14 to stay in the loop. Will McCarthy cement his QB1 status, and can Hill become the next Thielen? Dive into The Real Forno Show to find out!

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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.