J.J. McCarthy confirms meetings with at least eight NFL teams at combine as stock soars

INDIANAPOLIS – Before he even works out at the 2024 NFL Combine, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered the week as one of the top storylines of this year’s draft class. Despite a lack of video game-type numbers, scouts and evaluators are turning on the film and seeing a player who could be one of the first guys off the board.

Most assume that USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels will leave the combine as the top three quarterbacks in the draft, but that might be premature. According to those in the know, McCarthy Watch could begin as early as the No. 2 overall pick.

RELATED: J.J. McCarthy details conversation with Jim Harbaugh ahead of draft decision

“The 8-13 range seems high based on the public discourse with the reigning national championship quarterback,” Ben Standig of The Athletic wrote on Friday. “Some team evaluators, including the one quoted above, go hard the other way. ‘J.J. is going to go higher than most people think. Right now, my guess is he’ll be in play at two or three.'”

McCarthy, who was 27-1 as a starter at Michigan, threw for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions this season for the Maize and Blue, completing 240-of-332 (72.3%) of his passes. One of the bigger knocks on him during the draft process has been Michigan’s lack of consistent passing success, but he has never focused on that.

“Stats, for me, wasn’t the big thing,” McCarthy said. “All I cared about was being the best teammate I could be. Being the best quarterback I could be, whatever is asked of me.  The only stat I cared about was winning, and we did pretty good in that category.”

The former Michigan quarterback confirmed formal meetings with at least eight teams on Friday in Indianapolis. While there could be more from potential QB-needy teams (New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams), he was not asked about them during his media session.

Here’s what he said about each squad and where they pick in the first round of the draft.

Chicago Bears (No. 1, No. 9 overall picks)

The Bears have the draft’s top pick and are expected to select Williams and trade Justin Fields. However, McCarthy would love to play for his hometown team.

“It’s been one of my dreams of mine, whether I’m playing for the Bears or against them. But Soldier Field, is one of the oldest stadiums in America and just growing up going to all the games and being part of a halftime thing where I was player of the week in Illinois…. [Playing in Chicago] would be something that would be truly a dream come true.”

Washington Commanders (No. 2 overall pick)

The Commanders are in play for every quarterback not named Williams, assuming he goes No. 1 overall. They were also McCarthy’s first formal interview of the draft process.

“It was my first one, so I was super nervous. I’m not gonna lie. I was sweating a little bit and [head coach Dan Quinn] was just awesome. I got to talk to [general manager Adam Peters] right before the meeting. Just a great vibe, very welcoming and you know, going through the clips and everything and [meet with offensive coordinator] Kliff Kingsbury. It was just great to meet them. Great to talk ball with them and I had a lot of fun doing it.”

New England Patriots (No. 3 overall pick)

The Patriots have a new regime and also fit into the QB-needy tier. The last time they selected a Michigan quarterback in Tom Brady, things worked out well. McCarthy would love to follow that up.

“Coach [Jerod] Mayo, just an awesome guy, asking really great questions. You can definitely tell he’s been around this process a long time and has been a part of it. Great interactions again, and it would be an honor to be part of their organization.”

Minnesota Vikings (No. 11 overall pick)

The Vikings are seeking a quarterback for life after Kirk Cousins and the Michigan star seemed to enjoy his time meeting with the NFC North franchise.

“Went amazing. Coach [Kevin] O’Connell led the whole thing. Just being able to see him in person and Coach [Josh] McCown and everything about what they were talking about, everything about what they wanted out of a quarterback, is something that aligns with what I want, and just being able to get on the board with them, have them go through their plays, it was something really special, and I enjoyed it.”

Denver Broncos (No. 12 overall pick)

The Broncos are expected to part ways with Russell Wilson this offseason, leaving a void at the quarterback position. McCarthy figures to be in the mix whether Denver stands pat or moves up in the draft.

“Coach [Sean] Payton’s energy, Coach [Davis] Webb, Coach [Joe] Lombardi, it was just really great to be in that room with them and go through tape. It was honestly a really fun time. So, it was a blessing to pick their brains a little bit and have them shoot me questions left and right. I really enjoyed it. I’m a fellow Illinois guy, and it absolutely would be an honor to play for Payton.”

Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13 overall pick)

It’s a new era in Las Vegas with Antonio Pierce taking over as head coach and the Raiders will need to find their next signal-caller, whether its through the draft or free agency.

“It went really well. Loved all the coaches. Great energy, great questions, great interaction. It would mean a lot to play with those guys, but it would mean a lot to play with any one of the great players in the NFL. But it was awesome.”

Seattle Seahawks (No. 16 overall pick)

The Seahawks and head coach Mike Macdonald might be looking for a quarterback of the future, but their meeting was crashed by Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, which may have not been the case if Pete Carroll was still in charge.

“I did see him. It was right before my Seattle interview and funny story, he walked in there obviously all love, all hugs and all that. And as he was leaving the Seattle Seahawks guys were saying, ‘Oh, you wouldn’t be in here if Coach Carroll was still our head coach.’ So that was a good one, but it was great seeing him.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 26 overall pick)

The Buccaneers got through a transition year post-Brady with Baker Mayfield, but seem to be interested in a long-term solution. It might take a big move up the draft board, though.

“Amazing. Once again, great interactions. Great guys. Like I said before, would be a blessing to be able to play for them.”