NFL Draft Rumors: Jerod Mayo Set to Hand Vikings a Heartbreak With JJ McCarthy Move

Michigan’s standout QB, JJ McCarthy, is garnering more attention as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. Despite his status as one of the top QBs in this year’s draft, there’s a buzz that he’s chosen to bypass the draft event in Detroit. This decision only adds to the intrigue surrounding his potential landing place.

With the Chicago Bears having a solid chance to draft Caleb Williams, the spotlight shifts to the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots, both in dire need of a quarterback. Holding the No. 2 and 3 picks, these teams are at the center of the draft anticipation. However, the Minnesota Vikings have also thrown their hat in the ring, showing keen interest in JJ McCarthy. If the Arizona Cardinals give way to the trade, the Vikings are likely to trade up to No. 4, adding to the excitement of the draft. 

NFL scout thinks JJ McCarthy won’t get past the No. 3 pick

Woodward Sports Network recently uploaded a video where renowned NFL scout Scott Bischoff shared his insights on McCarthy’s potential landing place. McCarthy is undeniably one of the top picks in 2024. Amidst the Vikings’ rumors to trade up and secure him in an early pick, Bischoff, with his wealth of experience, confidently stated, “I’m not sure McCarthy gets past pick 3, to be honest.” This statement carries weight, given Bischoff’s track record and knowledge of the game.

Bischoff added, “Think about the New England Patriots and everything they are, and the most perfect match in this draft is JJ McCarthy. They need a quarterback.” He lays out his reasons, stating why the 21-year-old is a likely choice for Jerod Mayo and the Patriots because of his serious football personality and no-nonsense attitude. Besides that, he’s a football talent and an accurate passer who completed 72.3 percent of his passes last year. So, he’s a possible target for the Patriots. 

Jerod Mayo and the Patriots might draft JJ McCarthy before the Vikings

According to Adam Schefter, the furthest that the Vikings can trade up is No. 4 because the top three teams are not likely to miss their chance of drafting QBs. He said, “I think in all probability it goes: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, New England’s choice of QBs.” The Patriots will likely either draft JJ McCarthy or Drake Maye. Lately, however, the Michigan quarterback seems to be in favor. 

The Patriots’ scouting director, Eliot Wolf, is reportedly “pushing hard” to get McCarthy as “he believes he has as much upside as any quarterback in this draft.” Many important Patriots figures were present at his pro day, including HC Jerod Mayo, Eliot Wolf, OC Alex Van Pelt, and QB coach TC McCartney. In two seasons with the Wolverines, JJ McCarthy threw for 5,680 yards and secured 44 TDs. It’ll be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming weeks.