While Chicago Bears fans are relishing the fact that they might finally have their franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, other NFL franchises aren't nearly as fortunate. One such franchise is NFC North division rival Minnesota, which also spent its first-round pick in last year's draft on a quarterback, though a bit later than the Bears did.
The Vikings spent the 10th overall pick on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who had helped lead the Wolverines to a National Championship a few months before the draft. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to injury, so the 2025 season essentially is serving as his rookie year.