Latest mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic have Vikings getting J.J. McCarthy

McCarthy a lock to go in the first round? Perhaps even the top 10?

Author:
Joe Nelson
Publish date:
Mar 5, 2024 10:35 AM EST

J.J. McCarthy has been a popular name in the top 10 of mock drafts since the NFL Scouting Combine and two of the bigger names pushing out mocks have linked the Minnesota Vikings to the 21-year-old quarterback from Michigan.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler, basing his latest mock on "what we know right now and what I heard while in Indianapolis," has the Vikings trading up with the Titans from No. 11 to No. 7 and selecting McCarthy, where Brugler suggests that he can learn under Kirk Cousins.

"Bringing back Cousins and drafting McCarthy is the ideal outcome for the Vikings, as that would bridge the short-term with the long-term at the roster’s most important position," Brugler writes. "But with Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans and maybe a few other teams potentially in the McCarthy market, it might require a trade up for Minnesota to nab the Michigan quarterback."

ESPN's Jordan Reid has the Vikings staying at No. 11 and drafting McCarthy.

"We obviously don't know if free agent Kirk Cousins will return to Minnesota, but McCarthy fits coach Kevin O'Connell's scheme so well. Yes, the passing sample size is limited -- he only hit 25 or more passing attempts in 12 of 28 career starts -- and his combine workout was inconsistent, but his efficiency at Michigan is noteworthy (72.3% completion rate)," Reid wrote, justifying the prediction. "The infrastructure in Minnesota -- with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson catching passes -- is set up well for a young signal-caller to grow, too."

What happens with Cousins could determine how the Vikings approach the first round of the draft on April 25. On Monday night, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that he's heard "very credible" information that Cousins is "seriously considering moving his family to Atlanta."

Meanwhile, other reports from the NFL Combine suggest the Vikings "adore" North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, while Rich Eisen says he's heard that Trey Lance could be a "possible solve" to Minnesota's QB situation in 2024.

Where Cousins is playing next season should be known within the next week or so as the NFL's legal tampering period begins March 11 and free agency officially opens for business on March 13.