The New England Patriots are showing keen interest in Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, according to recent reports.
McCarthy has emerged as a focal point for the Patriots, with Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline noting that Eliot Wolf, a prominent figure within the team, holds a strong admiration for the quarterback.
“De facto general manager Eliot Wolf is pushing hard for McCarthy, and he believes he has as much upside as any quarterback in this draft.”
During McCarthy’s Pro Day at Michigan in March, notable figures from the Patriots organization, including head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, were present to assess his skills.
While the idea of the Patriots selecting McCarthy with the third overall pick may come as a surprise to some, the team’s need for a quarterback is evident following the departure of Mac Jones. Despite initial links to other quarterback prospects like UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels, the possibility of McCarthy joining the Patriots cannot be discounted.
Recent developments in mock drafts have seen McCarthy’s stock rise significantly, with many projecting him as a top-six pick. The potential of the Minnesota Vikings trading up to acquire him within the top five adds further intrigue to his draft outlook.
With the Washington Commanders expected to select either Maye or Daniels with the second overall pick, the Patriots may view McCarthy as a superior prospect. McCarthy’s collegiate achievements, including leading Michigan to a national title, highlight his potential as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Jerod Mayo’s recent comment about there being five starting quarterbacks in the draft further underscores McCarthy’s standing among the top prospects. The Patriots’ thorough evaluation of McCarthy, both at his Pro Day and during the combine, suggests a serious consideration of him as a potential franchise quarterback.
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