Draft expert connects NFC North team to Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy

More rumors are connecting the Minnesota Vikings to Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, Minnesota sent QBs coach Josh McCown to McCarthy’s pro day on Friday. Apparently, he liked what he saw.

“In talking to NFL personnel while on the road at pro days this week, the feeling is still that the Vikings will be aggressive in trading up to the No. 4 (Arizona Cardinals) or No. 5 (Los Angeles Chargers) spot to land the Michigan QB,” wrote Miller. “One general manager I talked to this week said McCarthy is a top-six pick right now. The question is, who will trade up to get him.”

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer believes the New York Giants are considering taking a QB with the sixth overall pick or via a trade-up in the draft. However, the Vikings’ draft capital gives them an edge in a potential competition for McCarthy. Minnesota has the 11th overall selection and recently acquired the 23rd pick from the Houston Texans.

Four-time Pro Bowler and longtime starter Kirk Cousins left in free agency, signing a four-year, $180M deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Minnesota signed former first-round pick Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10M deal, but the six-year veteran has a 21-35 starting record.

McCarthy — a national champion — only threw for 2,991 yards in 15 games in his final season at Michigan, but scouts like his potential. Miller rated him as the fourth-best QB in the class behind Drake Maye (North Carolina), Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Caleb Williams (Southern Cal).

“McCarthy is just 21 years old and still developing, and it shows at times in his ball placement,” wrote Miller. “But he’s a fast learner when he does make mistakes on the field. He finished third in the nation in QBR (88.2) while completing 72.3 percent of his throws.” 

The Vikings need an answer at the most important position, especially in the NFC North, where Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) and Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) await twice a year. Trading for McCarthy carries some risk, but it makes sense.