There are early rumblings that J.J. McCarthy may not have to wait long to hear his name on draft day.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton — owner of the 12th pick — reportedly is enamored with the Michigan quarterback, while an analyst expects McCarthy will be a top-10 pick.
“There’s just a little bit of steam that’s beginning to emerge locally that Sean Payton loves J.J. McCarthy,” said KFAN’s Paul Allen, the Vikings radio play-by-play announcer. “He’s a quarterback from a pro-style offense with a strong arm … a pretty reliable individual informed me over the weekend that Payton is quite enamored with J.J. McCarthy.”
The Broncos are likely looking for a new quarterback after benching Russell Wilson at the end of last season.
Denver’s blockbuster trade for Wilson did not work out as the franchise hoped, and Payton now his chance to get his hands on a young quarterback he can mold.
While Allen is not a Broncos reporter, he could have some intel since the Vikings pick 11th, one spot ahead of Denver, and have been mentioned as a team possibly hunting for a quarterback.
If Minnesota is interested in McCarthy — or any other quarterback — it helps to know that Denver could be aiming to move up to secure him.
This year’s draft has a strong quarterback class, and most mock drafts have three quarterbacks going in the top three picks.
While McCarthy isn’t as enticing a prospect as USC’s Caleb Williams, the likely No. 1 pick, UNC’s Drake Maye or Heisman winner and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, he is gathering some steam.
Former quarterback and first-round pick Brady Quinn said on CBS Sports HQ he believes McCarthy will ultimately end up in the top 10.
“To me, he’s going to end up being a top-10 pick when it’s all said and done,” Quinn said. “I think teams are going to love his ability to create and his ability to take off and run too.”
Some new mock drafts have McCarthy being selected right around where the Broncos pick.
CBS’s Ryan Wilson has him going No. 13 to Las Vegas, and Chris Trapasso has him going at No. 11 to Minnesota.
McCarthy, fresh off a national championship, finished the 2023 season with 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions.