Patriots 'Not Afraid' to Draft Michigan Quarterback J.J. McCarthy?

The New England Patriots have a quarterback question - could Michigan's J.J. McCarthy be the answer?

As the 2024 NFL Draft nears, the New England Patriots' picture grows clearer.

New England, with a glaring need at quarterback following subpar play from Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe last season, is heavily projected to select a signal caller at No. 3 overall.

The question isn't whether the Patriots draft a passer - instead, it's which one?

USC star Caleb Williams has largely been locked into the No. 1 slot, be it to the Chicago Bears or a team trading up ... but after Williams, uncertainty appears.

The Washington Commanders at No. 2 have been heavily linked to North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels. They've also been mentioned as a trade-down spot, though appear likely to make the pick.

So, New England's largely been tabbed to select whichever of Maye or Daniels isn't taken by Washington.

But what if Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf throws a curveball?

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy reportedly impressed teams both on and off the field at the NFL Scouting Combine and has been mentioned as a potential top-five pick.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates after the 34-13 win over Washington to win the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 :: Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Could McCarthy be in play for New England? In an anonymous survey of six NFL executives done by The Athletic, one said the reigning College Football Playoff champion is a possibility considering Wolf's background.

“I think they go quarterback,” this GM said. “Do they take a shot at J.J.? Eliot won’t be afraid to if he believes in the player. Just look at what his dad has done.”

Wolf is the son of former Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf, who helped swing the trade for Brett Favre and had a clear philosophy on player selection that other decision makers believe has been passed down.

“Ron Wolf’s son is going to go for the biggest, fastest, most talented athlete in most cases,” a different executive said.

In this case, that's not expected to be McCarthy.

Instead, the mock draft had New England selecting Maye - by default, not because it has particular interest in the second team All-ACC selection.

“I think they would probably rather have Jayden Daniels, but I’ll put Maye in there,” one executive said.

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Quelling the idea of McCarthy, another executive said he'd be a “huge reach” for the Patriots ... but with a clear need for a signal caller and evident indifference around Maye, it's possible the organization turns to Tom Brady's alma mater for a solution.

And Wolf won't be afraid to pull the trigger.

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