Having already met with Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, the New England Patriots are now hosting another top quarterback draft prospect, J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy was scheduled to have dinner with Patriots officials on Sunday night before visiting the team’s facility on Monday.
With the No. 3 pick, the Patriots are expected to choose a quarterback. They will likely be the third team to do so, as the Bears and Commanders, who hold the first and second picks respectively, are also anticipated to select quarterbacks. The Bears are widely projected to pick USC’s Caleb Williams, while the Commanders are expected to choose between LSU’s Daniels and North Carolina’s Maye.
McCarthy’s draft stock has risen considerably since leading Michigan to their first national title since 1997. He is currently ranked as the fourth-best quarterback and the 20th best player in CBS Sports’ prospect rankings.
J.J. McCarthy: A Rising Star with Michigan Roots
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, McCarthy was a two-year starter at Michigan, amassing an impressive 28-1 record as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback. During his tenure, he achieved a 2-1 record in the College Football Playoff and maintained an undefeated 2-0 record against arch-rival Ohio State.
McCarthy’s tenure at Michigan may not have been characterized by high passing yardage, but his efficiency was remarkable. Over his final two years with the Wolverines, he completed an impressive 68.5% of his passes while tallying 44 touchdowns against just nine interceptions.
His playing style bears a striking resemblance to that of his college coach, Jim Harbaugh. While not known for his rushing prowess, Harbaugh possessed an elusive quality and was often challenging to contain in the pocket. McCarthy mirrors this style, with many of his significant plays at Michigan stemming from well-executed rollouts that capitalized on his athleticism.
Harbaugh, now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, recently showered praise on his former college quarterback, describing him as the best-playing quarterback in the draft. Regardless of market size or weather conditions, Harbaugh expressed confidence in McCarthy’s abilities, highlighting his exceptional talent.
As the NFL Draft approaches, it remains to be seen whether the New England Patriots share Harbaugh’s assessment of McCarthy’s abilities, particularly if he remains available when their turn to pick arrives.
