2024 NFL Draft: Dan Quinn’s Commanders Snubbed as Minnesota Vikings Named the ‘Best Situation’ for J.J. McCarthy

With the No. 2 pick, the Washington Commanders have their hands full as the NFL Draft inches closer. Under the new command of the Josh Harris-led ownership group and a new head coach, Dan Quinn, the franchise is leaving no stone unturned in analyzing the prospective picks. While Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye were being projected the most, a wild card, JJ McCarthy, was added to the mix.

According to recent reports, Quinn and the squad will be hosting the Michigan quarterback in the coming week. Analysts have projected the prospective rookie, especially after his Pro Day performance. However, a former two-time Super Bowl Champion feels there is another team in the league that will be the best for a young quarterback like McCarthy.

Vikings “got two really good tackles” for JJ McCarthy

Despite Quinn keeping Washington’s QB preference under wraps, McCarthy has been emerging as one of their top interest points. However, according to a former Patriots player, the Minnesota Vikings would be the best spot for the Michigan star. Damien Woody was asked about his opinion on the best draft team for the quarterback on a segment of ‘GetUpESPN,’ and the former guard had a straight answer: “Minnesota is a very good situation.”

Woody quoted several reasons behind his choice. Namely, he feels that the team’s offensive tackle duo, Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, the stellar WR duo, Randy Moss and Cris Carter, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, make a great offense for a QB. Woody finally mentioned the head coach, Kevin William O’Connell’s play calls as the most important factor.

“I think Minnesota ultimately is the best situation for any rookie quarterback -in his draft. Here’s why: they got two really good tackles,” said Woody. “…They got the best duo wide receiver in the National Football League, okay. They got a really good tight end in TJ Hockenson, and most importantly, they have a head coach who’s oft-told the office of playcalling, and he’s a very good office of playcall.”

While this might be Woody’s analysis, the Commanders still have a higher priority over the Vikings in picking a quarterback. And while options like JJ McCarthy are aplenty, time is running out.

How will Quinn use Washington’s No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Although the final decision will lie with the GM, Adam Peters, Quinn’s long experience with evaluating quarterbacks is going to come in handy as the team hosts three top prospects this week. While it was earlier speculated that Peters is interested in JJ McCarthy, the team has been tight-lipped about the draft. Despite his recent rise in stocks, the Michigan player is still bound to face solid competition for a higher pick by the top 3: Williams, Daniels, and Maye.

There is another option open to the team, though: trading down for multiple first-round picks in the future draft. While this move might be an enticing option in future drafts, nothing can be said about its value in the draft lineup and what Washington will need after the 2024 season. Moreover, the requirement of a franchise starter quarterback is looming over the team. Plus, the recent trade of Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks points towards their intentions of holding on to their pick and making a wise decision.

The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and Dan Quinn’s crew has been playing their cards close to their chest. As for JJ McCarthy, the quarterback has gained enough praise, if not by Washington, surely by the Patriots, Vikings, or the Broncos.