Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s stock has seemingly risen enough over the past month or so that the question isn’t whether or not the Vikings should take him 11th overall, it’s how high they’ll have to go to get him if he’s their guy.
Due to the demand for quarterbacks, buzz about the NFL being high on McCarthy, and his solid showing at the combine, it no longer feels safe — or maybe even realistic at all — to assume that he’ll be on the board if the Vikings stand put at 11. Even if Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels go in the top three picks, there are a couple other teams in the top ten who could be interested in drafting a quarterback — plus several others who could look to trade up.
At No. 8, the Falcons are currently in the quarterback market, though that could change if they sign Kirk Cousins next week. Right behind the Vikings, the Broncos and Raiders (at 12 and 13) are lurking as teams who could try to trade up for McCarthy. But the real team to watch here might be the Giants at No. 6.
Yes, the Giants have Daniel Jones under contract for three more expensive years. But Jones followed up his breakout 2022 season by getting injured last year after struggling mightily across six games (3 TDs, 7 turnovers, 70.5 passer rating). New York can get out of that deal without a ridiculous amount of dead money next offseason, so this might be the time to look for a new quarterback. Jones’ ceiling and injury history are real concerns in New York.
On that note, buzz is increasing about the Giants being a team to watch for McCarthy at No. 6.
“There were more than a few rumblings at the combine tying J.J. McCarthy to the Giants,” wrote Connor Hughes of SNY this week. “It became very clear in Indianapolis that (GM Joe) Schoen is ready to draft his guy — either at No. 6, or by trading up.”
If that’s the case, and the Vikings believe McCarthy is their guy, they may have to go all the way up to No. 5 to land him. The Chargers, who are picking fifth, are set at QB with Justin Herbert. In a draft loaded with offensive studs, could they be talked out of taking Joe Alt or Malik Nabers and into a move down to 11, where they’ll still have plenty of good options?
The Vikings’ offer probably starts with a second-round pick and a Day 3 pick. The Chargers, who might be able to leverage multiple offers, will probably be looking for a future first-rounder. Those negotiations would be interesting.
Sure, Minnesota could be fine with landing Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix. But if Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah want McCarthy, they may have to pay the Chargers’ price and jump the Giants.
