One of the most fought-over, the most talked about, the most in-demand, and last but not least, the most unpredicted top-draft prospect of the league will not attend the 2024 NFL draft event. The reason? JJ McCarthy chose to ‘ignore‘ the invitation to Detroit.

JJ McCarthy is not on the initial list of the scheduled attendees. Per All Lions, the potential reason could be the constant flashing cameras on the prospects while waiting long hours in the green room. Fed up with the constant check-ins, several prospects might have just canceled to save themselves from potential embarrassment.

The 13 scheduled attendees were announced on Thursday including top names like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Marvin Harrison Jr, Drake Maye, Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, JC Latham, Laiatu Latu, Terrion Arnold, and Dallas Turner. This number for the season represented the dip of 4 fewer players attending the draft in Detroit since 17 players attended the 2023 Draft in Kansas City.

However, it’s not just one QB McCarthy’s absence swirling the suspicions. The other top QBs’ absence is also raising questions. The top 3 QBs are in attendance. But the ones expected to be drafted between pick 11 and pick 13 overall, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix, are not scheduled to attend the draft. The gutsy moves from the QBs might not only be stemming from the frustration of being asked the same questions again and again, other factors playing their part might also be the real string-holders there. If anything, it could be the case for JJ McCarthy.

JJ McCarthy’s conundrum

The Vikings are after him. The Giants are after him. The Broncos are after him. The Patriots are also after him. And that’s just the teams who could make it this far in the JJ McCarthy race. Mostly, all the teams with top 10 picks looking for a QB draft this season have given JJ McCarthy a thought (the Bears might be an exception). Initially, there were questions surrounding him being a top-10 pick. He’s now projected as the 3rd or 4th overall.

Even the teams lower in the draft table are mustering up the best of their resources including players to trade to secure a move-up. All of it is mainly to secure JJ McCarthy as their QB. It’s also a reason for McCarthy’s name not being associated with a team or two with two weeks remaining in the draft.

READ ALSO: “Vikings Are Desperate”: Twist in the Tale to Sign J.J McCarthy as Drake Maye Predicted to Pose Real Threat

Earlier, the Commanders at pick No. 2 also took an interest in JJ McCarthy, but looking at the race behind him, they diverted their attention back to Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. Hence, his all-time high draft stocks became sabotage for him, putting his NFL future at stake. After all this, who do you think will ultimately land JJ McCarthy? The Vikings, the Giants, or the Broncos? Drop your predictions in the comments.

READ MORE: Minnesota Vikings Faces Stiff Competition to Sign J.J McCarthy as NE Patriots Plot Draft Day Move