ESPN's Jeremy Fowler updates where rookie QBs JJ McCarthy, Bo Nix stand entering training camp

The Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are gearing up to begin training camp over the next week, and both teams have decision to make regarding the quarterback position.

Both squads opted to select QBs with their respective first-round draft picks in April, seeing the Vikings draft Michigan‘s JJ McCarthy and the Broncos taking Oregon‘s Bo Nix. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Nix has a legitimate shot to start for Denver in Week 1.

“We have a real quarterback battle in Denver, Bo Nix will be battling it out with Zach Wilson and veteran Jarrett Stidham for that starting job,” Fowler said on Sports Center on Sunday morning. “Here’s where Nix can make a compelling case. In the spring I was told that he was really everything that Sean Payton thought he would be, at least the early sentiments.

“He can operate in the pocket with a lot of traffic around him. He showed a hair-quick trigger release out of the pocket and then he’s been athletic and really matured. He showed that with 61 starts in college and how he handles himself in team meetings and on the practice field, inside and outside the huddle. So he’s made quite the impression so far.”

Nix was the most experienced college quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft cycle, so him adapting to his practice environment and challenging those with NFL experience isn’t particulary surprising.

Meanwhile, the Vikings don’t appear to be moving in the same direction with their rookie QB.

“You’ve got JJ McCarthy and Minnesota, who’s a little bit of a different situation, because he is not the starter as of now,” Fowler said. “Sam Darnold is considered a heavy favorite”

“My sense is McCarthy would have to be absolutely all-world in the next six weeks to win this job, but he will play eventually. You’ve got the week six BYE down the road, maybe get the job by then. We’ll see, but the Vikings are low key excited about Sam Darnold the veteran. They believe that there’s untapped potential there.”

McCarthy, who is coming of a national championship-winning season at Michigan last year, appears to have his work cut out for him. However, both rookies have the chance to cement themselves as starter material throughout training camp and into the preseason.

For Denver, they’ll begin camp on Friday, July 26 while the Vikings begin the following day on July 27.