The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their mandatory minicamp from June 10-12, 2025, signaling the end of their offseason program and a brief hiatus before training camp kicks off in late July. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, a Vikings 1st & SKOL production in partnership with Fans First Sports Network, hosts Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano dissected the biggest storylines emerging from minicamp. From quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s response to arm strength skepticism to the burgeoning chemistry with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the show offered fans a deep dive into the team’s progress. Add in breakout performances from rookie linebacker Dallas Turner, confidence in cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, and a strategic extension for tight end Josh Oliver, and it’s clear the Vikings are building something special for the 2025 season.

J.J. McCarthy: Shutting Down the Arm Strength Narrative

The spotlight on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has been intense since the Vikings selected him 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. During minicamp, much of the discussion centered on his arm strength, a topic that has sparked debate among analysts and media personalities. Tyler Forness expressed frustration with the narrative, particularly targeting comments from Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, who claimed McCarthy lacks an “elite trait” and cited a string of intercepted passes in public practices.

“I’m very annoyed about the perception of J.J. McCarthy,” Forness said. “Colin Cowherd talked explicitly about his arm strength and said he has a mediocre arm. That’s not really true. You can look at the NFL Scouting Combine where he threw a ball 61 miles per hour. The record is 62 miles per hour.”

McCarthy himself addressed the skepticism, attributing it to his time at Michigan, where the Wolverines’ run-heavy offense limited his passing opportunities, and his smaller frame (6’2”, 202 pounds) compared to prototypical NFL quarterbacks. “It’s a stigma for Michigan ’cause they don’t throw a lot, and I’m not 6’4”, 250,” McCarthy said during a press conference, as noted by Forness. Despite the doubts, McCarthy’s Combine performance—throwing just one mile per hour shy of Joe Milton’s record—underscores his arm talent. Forness highlighted McCarthy’s ability to deliver “zip” on intermediate routes, noting that mechanical adjustments under head coach Kevin O’Connell are addressing concerns about deep-ball velocity.

Forness admitted to having initial reservations about McCarthy, giving him a mid-to-late second-round grade pre-draft due to questions about his arm talent and NFL readiness. However, McCarthy’s professionalism and growth in Vikings practices have warmed Forness to the young quarterback. “I’ve gotten a little warmer on him over the course of the last year because of what we’ve seen from him in a Vikings uniform at practice, how he’s conducted himself,” Forness said. While he still needs to see McCarthy translate his skills to game action, Forness believes the narrative around his arm strength is overblown and driven by those who haven’t done their homework.

Justin Jefferson and McCarthy: Building a Dynamic Duo

One of the most exciting developments from minicamp is the growing relationship between McCarthy and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson, who attended OTAs for the first time in three years, has taken on a mentorship role, fostering chemistry with McCarthy both on and off the field. Their bond, which includes attending Minnesota Timberwolves games together, was highlighted by a lighthearted moment when McCarthy admitted he had never tried Mike & Ike’s candy—a staple in Jefferson’s well-documented candy stash.

“One of my favorite things from this offseason, Dave, was the fact that you had McCarthy who had never had a Mike and Ike,” Forness said. “We know Justin Jefferson, like he showed us in Receiver, his dresser’s almost like a drug dealer layer for candy. Their bond just kind of has grown from there.”

Jefferson’s commitment to Minnesota this offseason, spending more time in the Twin Cities than in previous years, signals his investment in the team’s future. “They’re going to do some workouts over the offseason,” Forness noted. “Jefferson’s spending more time in Minnesota during the offseason than he ever has, which I’m surprised he hasn’t done before. It’s beautiful here.” McCarthy echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire to work out with all the receivers during the summer to build rapport.

The importance of this relationship cannot be overstated. Forness outlined four critical relationships for a young quarterback: the head coach, the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, the center, and the top receiver. “You gotta be in lockstep, especially with a guy like Jefferson,” Forness said. “He may end up as the best receiver of all time when all is said and done.” Jefferson’s elite route-running and ability to come out of breaks at full speed, as Stefano pointed out, make him a perfect partner for McCarthy as they aim to elevate the Vikings’ passing game.

Dallas Turner: A Breakout Star in the Making

On the defensive side, rookie outside linebacker Dallas Turner emerged as a standout during minicamp, dispelling doubts about his role in Brian Flores’ scheme. Initially, Forness was not as high on Turner compared to other edge rushers like Chop Robinson, citing limited reps in coverage during his college film at Alabama. However, Turner’s versatility has won him over.

“I wasn’t the highest on him initially,” Forness admitted. “But post-draft, I turned the corner on the pick because he can run up the field with a running back or a tight end. Apparently, on Tuesday, he broke up a pass 20 yards down the field, up the seam. He’s an edge rusher. That’s freaky.”

Turner’s physical development also caught attention, with reports indicating he’s added muscle without sacrificing his quick-twitch athleticism. “He looks thicker. He looks bigger,” Forness said. “All reports said he ain’t losing it. He looks really good.” Flores himself labeled Turner the “third starting edge rusher” alongside Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, a significant endorsement for the 2024 first-round pick. Forness projected a potential eight to ten sacks for Turner in 2025, complementing Greenard and Van Ginkel’s expected production to form one of the NFL’s top pass-rushing units.

Isaiah Rodgers and the Cornerback Room: Confidence and Depth

The Vikings’ cornerback position, a concern entering the offseason, appears to be stabilizing, with Isaiah Rodgers emerging as a presumed starter. Rodgers, a 5’10”, 175-pound corner who flashed potential with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, earned high praise from both Justin Jefferson and Brian Flores. “Justin Jefferson talked highly about him. Brian Flores talked highly about him, even said, ‘I’ve been keeping an eye on this guy since he was at UMass,’” Forness noted.

Rodgers’ patience, quickness, and speed make him a fit for Flores’ scheme, which emphasizes off-coverage and read-and-react principles. However, his smaller frame raises questions about matchups against bigger receivers like A.J. Brown. “He’s gonna get bullied by some bigger receivers, like an A.J. Brown when they play the Eagles,” Forness said. “But with how they play, I think he can be fine.”

The Vikings also have depth in the cornerback room, with Akayleb Evans and undrafted free agent Zay May-Vaughn making impressions. May-Vaughn, a 6’3”, 180-pound corner from Utah, has been a surprise standout. “He’s got plenty of speed and quickness, but he’s not good when it comes to physicality,” Forness said. “With how the Vikings play defense, he could end up being a steal.” The team’s confidence in their current group, coupled with veterans like Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin still available in free agency, suggests they’re comfortable letting the position play out.

Josh Oliver’s Extension: A Commitment to the Run Game

The Vikings’ decision to sign tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year, $23.5 million extension (up to $27.5 million with incentives) underscores their commitment to a physical, run-heavy offense. Oliver, whom Forness called “arguably the best blocking tight end in the National Football League,” brings versatility as both a blocker and a capable receiver.

“I liked this a lot,” Forness said. “You could argue that Josh Oliver is the best blocking tight end in the National Football League, and he’s good as a receiver. He was a fifth-round pick of the Jaguars as a pass-catcher. I’d rather turn a pass-catcher into a blocker than a blocker into a pass-catcher.”

The extension signals the Vikings’ intent to reward players who outperform their contracts and bolster their running game, especially with T.J. Hockenson’s recovery timeline uncertain. “They’ve made it clear all offseason they wanna run the football,” Forness said. “Jordan Mason, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Donovan Jackson—run the ball. They wanna pound that rock.” Oliver’s ability to block edge rushers and contribute in 12-personnel formations (two tight ends, one running back) positions him as a key piece in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips’ scheme.

A Team Poised for Greatness

Head coach Kevin O’Connell’s optimism post-minicamp—“I know we got better”—echoes the sentiment shared by Forness and Stefano. Center Ryan Kelly’s comment to reporter Alec Lewis, noting he’s “never seen so much talent on one team in his entire career,” further underscores the Vikings’ potential. With a balanced offense led by McCarthy, Jefferson, and Oliver, and a dynamic defense featuring Turner, Rodgers, and Flores’ creative schemes, the Vikings are shaping up as a contender in the NFC North.

“I think we’re moving into a special time,” Stefano said, drawing comparisons to the Vikings’ successful eras under Bud Grant.

Forness agreed, projecting that if McCarthy can emulate a “first-year starter Brock Purdy” as a point-guard quarterback, the team could make a Super Bowl run. The combination of young talent, veteran leadership, and strategic coaching has set high expectations for 2025.

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Why Fans Should Tune In

The Real Forno Show offers Vikings fans unparalleled access to expert analysis and insider perspectives on the team’s journey. Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano’s chemistry, combined with their deep knowledge of the game, makes this podcast a must-listen for anyone invested in the Purple and Gold. From debunking myths about J.J. McCarthy to celebrating the rise of players like Dallas Turner, this episode captures the excitement surrounding the Vikings’ offseason. Catch it on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel and join the SKOL community.

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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.

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