McCarthy has impressed, Brian Flores' defense looks sharp and there are roster battles aplenty as the Vikings prepare to put pads on Monday.

Those running the Vikings took somewhat of a gamble when they decided to trust that McCarthy would be ready to win meaningful games in September after he spent his entire rookie season recovering from a meniscus repair.

J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' first-round pick, is already endearing himself to fans by signing autographs at the team's facility. Despite the warm welcome from fans and coaches, wide receiver Justin Jefferson offered a measured perspective,