Many anticipated Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy landing with the Minnesota Vikings following the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Which is exactly what happened as the Vikings traded up one spot to the No. 10 overall pick to select McCarthy on Thursday.
McCarthy was one of the most polarizing quarterback prospects in this year’s draft, which was deep at the position with six passers selected within the top 12 picks of the draft. But former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick made his feelings clear on McCarthy during the Pat McAfee Show Thursday in Detroit.
“There’s a lot to like about McCarthy. I mean this kid’s tough, he’s a great leader, he’s an alpha guy, players love him, his teammates love him, and he makes a lot of good decisions,” Belichick said. “He really helps your team, I think he’ll work well with the Vikings and I think Coach O’Connell will do a great job with him and he’s got some good players to work with. Especially [Justin] Jefferson.”
McCarthy helped lead the Wolverines to a national championship victory last season on a team loaded with talent, with 13 Michigan players hearing their names called during the draft. And although some used McCarthy being surrounded by talent as a critique during the draft process, there’s no doubt he’ll be surrounded by it once again in Minnesota. With many calling the Vikings the best quarterback landing spot for rookies ahead of the draft.
“There’s not much to not like about McCarthy, I mean one thing that’s a question is his weight. He weighed in at 202 (pounds) and then 219, he’s somewhere in there. We’d like him at 219, not 202, but again this guy’s got a quick release, he can get the ball out. He reads coverages well, he’s just got a lot more experience, Belichick explained.
Belichick spoke more in-depth about what McCarthy brings to the table, evaluating his ability as he watched some footage of McCarthy during his time in Ann Arbor.
“And he plays under center, he wasn’t in the shotgun all the time so he can handle under center, he can handle play action passes turning his back,” Belichick said.
“He has good ball security, I know he had the two pick-sixes against TCU in the championship game. But I would say overall this guy, it’s third and 10, he’s gonna protect the team. He’s not looking to turn the ball over.”
Michigan had plenty of strength in their defense and run game last season, which they leaned on throughout their undefeated national championship run. As a result, McCarthy was not able to showcase his passing abilities as much as other quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. But when his number was called, McCarthy came through and displayed traits the Belichick believes will translate to the next level.
“Taking a profit, every play is not gonna be an 80-yard touchdown. He’s good to make good completions, good solid plays … You need those plays in the NFL. Now if you want to run the ball with this guy he’s a good runner and he’s tough … I’m not saying this guy’s a better runner than Jayden Daniels, but he just makes good decisions and his definitely good enough, Belichick explained.
“There’s things for him to work on too, but overall, he makes a lot of good football plays.”
Belichick has plenty of familiarity with what an underrated quarterback from Michigan can do in the NFL, as it will surely be interesting to see how McCarthy’s career plays out starting in his upcoming rookie season.
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