With the new NFL season on the horizon, excitement builds for the upcoming NFL Draft, where emerging talents are poised to make their mark on the league. J.J. McCarthy, the former Michigan quarterback, has captured the attention of football fans and analysts with his potential to follow in the footsteps of gridiron greats such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
While speculation swirls about McCarthy’s potential landing spot, particularly with the Minnesota Vikings, the young quarterback remains focused on showcasing his abilities during Pro Day events.
J.J. McCarthy talks on Pro Day performance
The Michigan Wolverines recently hosted their highly anticipated annual pro day in Ann Arbor, where 22 players showcased their skills to NFL scouts and coaches. Among the participants, all eyes were on star quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was pretty confident about his success.
The Michigan quarterback expressed his goals for the day, emphasizing his desire to demonstrate his ability to make all the necessary throws required for success at the NFL level.
“I just wanted to showcase the questions they had about out-breakers to the left and putting some air on the deep posts, stuff like that. I felt like I did that today. I’m pretty confident with the showing I put out there.”
J.J. McCarthy on his Pro Day results: I’m pretty confident with the showing I put out there. https://t.co/POlpDWv3Nv
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 22, 2024
The event drew significant attention from NFL personnel, with more than 150 individuals, including nine general managers, in attendance to witness McCarthy’s performance firsthand. ESPN’s Matt Miller and Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy were among those present to observe McCarthy’s throws.
Meanwhile, during the pro day, he impressed onlookers with his accuracy, arm strength, and ability to execute a variety of throws, Miller reported.
McCarthy’s collegiate career at Michigan has been notable, with impressive statistics and a stellar record as a starter. Last season, he threw for a career-high 2,991 yards in 15 games.
J.J. McCarthy linked with potential move to Vikings
The upcoming NFL Draft has sparked considerable speculation, particularly regarding the top quarterback prospects set to enter the league. Among them, J.J. McCarthy is generating significant interest and is widely projected to be a top-10 pick. With USC’s Caleb Williams expected to be selected first overall by the Chicago Bears, McCarthy is poised to follow closely behind.
After the New York Giants, rumors abound linking the former Michigan quarterback to the Minnesota Vikings, who are in the midst of a transition at the quarterback position. The team’s quarterback situation underwent significant changes this offseason. Following Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings secured the services of veteran Sam Darnold on a one-year deal.
Meanwhile, the Vikings’ coaching staff, including quarterbacks coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski, is scheduled to attend McCarthy’s pro day in Ann Arbor.
Minnesota Vikings to have private workout with J.J. McCarthy next week. pic.twitter.com/XVQ1XC62uI
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 18, 2024
Additionally, the team has arranged for a private workout with McCarthy, with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah slated to be in attendance, per SI.
With the acquisition of the No. 23 overall pick from the Houston Texans, speculation has intensified about the possibility of the Vikings making a move to secure McCarthy in the upcoming draft.
