In a previous mock draft on The Athletic, the Minnesota Vikings traded with the Arizona Cardinals to secure the No. 4 pick to select J.J. McCarthy. And it’s not surprising because as per Bruce Feldman, the Vikings are “very interested” in picking the Michigan star QB who led his team to the 2023 National Championship. And he seemed to return the favor to the Vikings during his interview on The Adam Schefter Podcast.

J.J. McCarthy said of playing for the Vikings, “It would mean the world. Just because Coach O’Connell, he’s a guy that I’d run through a brick wall for. Everything that he wants to do with his football team is something that I wanna be a part of… Obviously the weapons there are limitless, so… It’d be a blessing to be part of it.” But with just one day remaining for the big draft day, preferences seem to be getting louder. 

J.J. McCarthy wants to join the New York Giants

A post was recently uploaded on X from the interview that J.J. McCarthy had on The Rich Eisen Show. When asked if he has any idea of a potential team in mind, he replied, “I have somewhat of an idea, New York Giants. I’ve spent the most time with.” The 21-year-old highly-touted QB prospect also credits the Giants coaching staff as another reason for his interest saying, “They’re a phenomenal staff.”

J.J. McCarthy expressed his admiration for HC Brian Daboll, GM Joe Schoen, and assistant HC and OC Mike Kafka, among others. He also dropped hints on his preference for familiarity with “similar movements, motions, plays” with the fact that Daboll previously served one season as the OC and QB coach for Alabama with coach Gattis coming from Alabama to Michigan. If he could get away with his preference, it would haunt the Vikings who haven’t been silent in their interest in the Michigan star prospect. 

Where would J.J. McCarthy possibly land?

The Vikings hold the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft with another first-round selection, No. 23 after trading with the Houston Texans. After Kirk Cousins departed to free agency, there is a chance that the team wants to trade up to select one of the top QBs. But if they want to draft J.J. McCarthy, it’ll only be possible for them if they trade up for the top-five picks. 

The New York Giants hold the sixth overall pick and they’re highly expected to draft one of the top QBs including J.J. McCarthy. But the chance that their preferred prospect would be available till the sixth round is slim. McCarthy has risen to become one of the top four QB prospects and has also met with the Washington Commanders who hold the No. 2 pick and the New England Patriots who have the No. 3 pick.