In a draft where many teams are trying to trade out of the first round, the Minnesota Vikings may feel beholden to stick and pick for J.J. McCarthy.
Holders of the No. 24 pick, the Vikings are positioned outside of the true blue-chip prospects of the draft but could watch several players at the top of their position groups fall to them.
Among those are a former high school teammates of McCarthy's that would address an immediate need for the team -- and McCarthy has "pounded the table" for him ahead of the draft.
On Thursday afternoon, just hours before the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, KSTP's Darren Wolfson reported that McCarthy has strongly advocated for the Vikings to draft his former high school teammate, Alabama guard Tyler Booker.
"J.J. McCarthy has been pounding the table for his high school teammate [Tyler Booker] from IMG Academy," Wolfson said on an April 24 appearance on SKOR North.
Booker, considered the No. 1 guard of the draft class, has a polarizing profile after a poor performance at the combine.
However, the tape doesn't lie.
Booker was a bully on the Crimson Tide offensive front. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman earned All-American honors as a junior and developed into one a team leader, often praised for his competitiveness, high football IQ and work ethic.
"In pass protection, you want your guards creating the depth of the pocket by answering and anchoring, which Booker does at a high level. In the run game, you want your guards driving and creating room with the intent of dominating their man, which Booker also does consistently," The Athletic's Dan Brugler wrote. "The next step for him is to continue developing his savviness to counter/reach high-end athleticism and blitzes that cross his face. Overall, Booker is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match. His average foot quickness, however, might not be ideal for every scheme. He projects as an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on."
Wolfson said he had concerns about Booker falling to No. 24, however, there are other capable interior offensive linemen the Vikings could target with that pick or in a trade back.
Among them, NDSU's Grey Zabel, who has become a favorite among fans and Vikings media members.
