Amid JJ McCarthy’s Vikings Rumors, HC Kevin O’Connell Reportedly Interested in Further ‘Up-Close’ Look After Pro Day Wonders

Michigan’s Pro Day on March 22 brought over 150 NFL personnel to watch prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft. And JJ McCarthy is satisfied with his performance. He said, “I just wanted to showcase the questions they had about out-breakers to the left and putting some air on the deep posts, stuff like that. I felt like I did that today. I’m pretty confident with the showing I put out there.”

According to sources, the Pro Day drew in the HCs and GMs of the teams holding the first three picks: Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. All these teams have QB requirements where they’re expected to select with their first picks. But amidst these scouts, McCarthy also rounded up the attendance of the Minnesota Vikings QB coach amidst NFL draft rumors.

JJ McCarthy attracted Vikings QB coach Josh McCown at Michigan’s Pro Day

JJ McCarthy has impressed his prospective future team with his performance at Michigan’s Pro Day. According to a recent X post by KSTP Sports, “New #Vikings QB coach Josh McCown was at Michigan Pro Day today to watch QB JJ McCarthy.” And that’s not all. After trading with the Houston Texans for a second first-round pick, the Vikings have reportedly arranged a private workout with the Michigan star where HC “Kevin O’Connell and other team personnel are expected to get a separate up-close look at McCarthy.”

On Friday at Michigan’s Pro Day workout, almost 200 NFL scouts were in attendance, and JJ McCarthy proved his worth with his “clean” throws. The 21-year-old, the favorite to land as a Top-10 pick, stole the spotlight for a throwing session lasting about 25 minutes. In the words of ESPN’s Matt Miller, his throwing was “clean—just two clear misses. He showcased zip and touch while hitting a lot of deep routes… McCarthy has easy power and velocity.” Amidst Vikings rumors, his performance has hopefully impressed McCown and brightened his future at the upcoming NFL Draft on April 25. 

JJ McCarthy is high on Vikings’ ‘preferred scenario’

Following the trade with the Texans, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated on Monday on ESPN, “We just thought that move gave us the best flexibility for whatever can happen… I would say at this point there is a preferred scenario but the process is ongoing.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise if the scenario involves a quarterback in JJ McCarthy.

READ MORE: Watch: Travis Hunter’s Mother’s Priceless Reaction on Receiving a New House as a Gift From Her Son: “Oh My God”

As Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer said, aside from the team’s QB coaches’ presence at his Pro Day, “Minnesota also arranged a private workout on campus with McCarthy for next week, with O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah set to make that trip.” In his second season in Michigan, JJ McCarthy led the Wolverines to a National Championship by throwing for 2,991 yards with 22 TDs and four interceptions. He’s projected as the Top 4 QB to enter the NFL Draft this season after Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye. 

READ MORE: Coach Prime Reveals Why Shedeur Sanders Isn’t Headed for 2024 NFL Draft