The top three quarterbacks since the start of the 2024 NFL Draft process in January have almost unanimously been Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye. These three signal-callers have been consistently projected to the first three picks of the draft — all picks owned by teams in the market for a premier passer.
Then there is Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who has been a steady riser up draft boards over the last few months. The consistent rise of his stock means he could be selected inside the top 10 when the draft rolls around.
Regardless of where McCarthy is selected in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, let’s examine some of his ideal landing spots heading into his rookie year.
Which Teams Could Draft J.J. McCarthy?
Minnesota Vikings Simply Find a Way to Get J.J. McCarthy on the Roster
The Minnesota Vikings acquired the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from the Houston Texans earlier this month, which gives the organization two picks — the other sits 11th overall — in the first round. In theory, this gives the team the type of flexibility to make an aggressive move up in the draft if they fall in love with a quarterback prospect.
One prospect who has intriguing upside is McCarthy, who has experience running a pro-style system and boasts a winning track record that speaks favorably to the winning intangibles teams covet at the quarterback position.
The Vikings signed Sam Darnold, which means McCarthy wouldn’t be required to start immediately and would step into an offense with exceptional talent at wide receiver (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison), tight end (T.J. Hockenson), and running back (Aaron Jones).
McCarthy going to the Vikings makes a ton of sense and would certainly be a favorable landing spot to start his NFL career.
Seattle Seahawks Add McCarthy as Quarterback of the Future at 16th Overall
Some may believe McCarthy falling all the way to 16th overall in this draft may be a stretch, but the Seattle Seahawks would undoubtedly have to consider taking the talented quarterback prospect if he falls in their lap on draft day.
Geno Smith regressed in 2023 and doesn’t have the excuse of a lack of talent as a scapegoat. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker III, and Zach Charbonnet comprise a very strong group of skill position players who should raise a quarterback’s level of play, not reduce it.
The team acquired Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, but I imagine the Seahawks would prefer to invest in a top-tier prospect if presented with the opportunity.
This situation would also allow McCarthy to learn for the season with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who was the architect behind the dynamic Washington Huskies passing attack over the last two years. Under Grubb’s guidance, the Huskies produced the most passing yards during that stretch, averaging 369.8 yards per game.
Denver Broncos Find Russell Wilson’s Replacement
The flashes of development we saw from McCarthy operating within a pro-style system — which included playing on time, climbing the pocket, manipulating defenders with his eyes, and throwing anticipation — give him the traits of a successful quarterback operating Sean Payton’s offensive scheme in Denver.
The upside of this landing spot for McCarthy is certainly subjective at the moment.
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The trade of Jerry Jeudy off the roster and lack of financial flexibility to add more talent at this moment make this more of a rebuild than a top-flight contender in 2024. Still, the team has prioritized retooling the offensive line this offseason to help the running game immediately this upcoming season.
McCarthy may not have the best path to winning a championship with Denver in 2024, but the long-term fit with a gifted offensive mind could produce great results for years to come.
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