Nobody’s stock in this year’s NFL Draft has ascended quite like former Michigan Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthy. The 21-year-old has seen his name as high as second overall to the Washington Commanders. At this point, it seems as though the sky is the limit for his draft position. Anything other than the first overall pick seems completely possible.
The New England Patriots, who hold the third overall pick in this year’s draft, have become the latest team to be linked to McCarthy. This speculation was made in a recent report by Tony Pauline.
“De facto general manager Eliot Wolf is pushing hard for McCarthy, and he believes he has as much upside as any quarterback in this draft.”
Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reported in his latest NFL mock draft
The Bill Belichick and Mac Jones era in New England has come to an end. The Patriots and Belichick agreed to separate after an incredibly successful partnership. As for Jones, he was moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars to be Trevor Lawrence’s backup option.
The Patriots are a team that should look to spend their top draft pick on a new quarterback. However, it remains to be seen if McCarthy will be that player or not. At a minimum, all reports lead to the Patriots at least considering it.
McCarthy is coming off winning a championship with Michigan last season. Last year, he threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He also ran for 202 yards on 64 carries.
While the Chicago Bears seem all but guaranteed to select USC QB Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, everything after that remains a major question mark. The Patriots will have a difficult decision to make no matter if it is McCarthy or not.
