The 2024 NFL draft is set to begin on Thursday, and many top prospects’ faith will be decided on that day, including JJ McCarthy . And with speculations of the Minnesota Vikings moving up to trade in the No. 3 pick, they have a big decision to make– choose between Drake Maye and McCarthy.
Though many analysts believe Maye is the right pick for the Vikings, combined with their offensive line, it’s McCarthy whose name has been associated with the team for several weeks now. When asked the quarterback about the potential team he sees himself playing in the league, the 21-year-old signal caller named one team in particular– the Vikings.
It would mean the world just because of coach [Kevin] O'Connell. He's a guy that I'd run through a brick wall for. Everything that he wants to do with his football team is something that I want to be a part of. Obviously, being in the NFC North, being a Bears fan my entire life, and being able to play at Soldier Field and stay in the Midwest and all that good stuff would be just a dream come true. “I love what they're building. Obviously, the weapons there are limitless. JJ McCarthy said during his recent appearance on The Adam Schefter Podcast
The Vikings have two first-round picks, which they gained from the Houston Texans: 11th and 23rd. They are reportedly combining these two and possibly the third-round pick of the 2025 draft to move up the ladder and acquire the No. 3 pick from the New England Patriots.
JJ McCarthy 2024 NFL Draft scenario
Despite his stats not being close to the top prospects such as Caleb Williams, Maye, or Jayden Daniels, JJ McCarthy has emerged as the hottest pick for the upcoming draft. Given, that the first two picks are likely to have Williams and Daniels’ names, if the Vikings succeed in acquiring the No. 3 pick, it will come down to the choice between Maye and McCarthy.
Williams is all set to be drafted by the Chicago Bears and though there remains doubts about whether Daniels will be the No. 2 pick, Washington Commanders will hardly trade up the second overall pick and most likely to draft Daniels.
But there’s another scenario that the Patriots stick with their pick and draft Maye when he is available for the No. 4 pick. But again, that’s most likely occupied by Marvin Harrison Jr. drafted by the Arizona Cardinals . This leaves McCarthy for the 5th spot when the Los Angeles Chargers will be up. So, if the Vikings are serious about McCarthy and fail to acquire the 3rd spot, they can still trade with the Chargers for the fifth overall pick.
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