The buzz around University of Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has reached a fever pitch as the NFL Draft approaches, with multiple teams reportedly keen on trading up to secure his services. McCarthy, fresh off leading Michigan to a national championship, has seen his draft stock soar, turning heads with his impressive statistics and command on the field.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are the frontrunners in the race to acquire the promising quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos Eye Early Picks
The strategic maneuvers necessary to snag JJ McCarthy involve considerable assets, with the Vikings and Broncos appearing ready to make significant trades. Minnesota, armed with two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 23, seems well-positioned to make a compelling offer.
Meanwhile, Denver holds the 12th overall pick but lacks the additional first-round asset that Minnesota possesses. This draft positioning could give the Vikings a slight advantage if they decide to leverage both of their first-round selections to move up in the order.
The most plausible trading partners for these teams are the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, who hold the fourth and fifth picks, respectively. The Chargers emerge as a likely candidate for a trade, especially considering the Cardinals are anticipated to select Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth pick.
JJ McCarthy’s Profile, Skills and Skepticism
McCarthy’s 2023 campaign was nothing short of stellar, throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, completing an impressive 72.3 percent of his passes. These numbers not only highlight his efficiency and playmaking abilities but also his leadership in guiding Michigan to glory.
Despite being commonly ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in this draft class, behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, McCarthy has his detractors. Some scouts have expressed concerns over his physical attributes, suggesting that he might face limitations as a passer at the professional level.
The #Patriots are on the clock, QBs Jayden Daniels AND J.J. McCarthy are available, who are you DRAFTING? pic.twitter.com/aleVi2z9SQ
— Patriot RedZone (@PatriotRedZone) April 15, 2024
JJ McCarthy’s Draft Stock Surges
As the draft day draws near, the intrigue around JJ McCarthy continues to build. There’s even speculation that the New England Patriots might consider taking JJ McCarthy with the third overall pick, signaling that his appeal extends beyond just the Vikings and Broncos. The next week and a half will be critical for McCarthy and the teams vying for his talents, as final evaluations and negotiations take place.
In a draft class filled with talent, JJ McCarthy’s combination of proven performance and potential makes him one of the most watched prospects. Teams looking to bolster their quarterback position see him as a viable option that could shape their franchise’s future.
The coming days will reveal whether the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, or perhaps another unexpected team will make the moves necessary to bring McCarthy onto their roster, setting the stage for a dramatic and potentially franchise-altering decision.
Sources: NFL Analysis
