As the NFL season concluded, it initially appeared that the New England Patriots were weighing their options between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye for their No. 3 overall pick. However, with the draft nearing and discussions intensifying, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has emerged as a potential choice for the Patriots.
Reportedly, Eliot Wolf, the de facto general manager of the Patriots, is advocating strongly for McCarthy. McCarthy himself plans to visit the Patriots before the draft, indicating mutual interest. The Washington Commanders, holding the No. 2 overall pick, are also expressing significant interest in the 21-year-old quarterback.
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Zak Zinter, star offensive lineman from Michigan, can understand why the Patriots might lean towards drafting McCarthy, having played alongside him for the past three seasons. While Zinter hasn’t discussed playing for the Patriots specifically with McCarthy, he believes McCarthy would fit well into New England’s culture.
Zinter expressed his support for McCarthy, acknowledging the buzz surrounding him and wishing him the best. Despite not being regarded with the same high upside as Daniels and Maye by some evaluators, those who know McCarthy believe he has an equal or even better chance of succeeding in the NFL.
McCarthy’s statistics may not be as eye-catching as Daniels or Maye, but his accuracy and winning record stand out. With 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions during his time at Michigan, McCarthy led the Wolverines to a national title in the past season, boasting an impressive 27-1 record as their starting quarterback.
Beyond his stats, McCarthy’s intangible qualities, such as leadership and competitiveness, are highly regarded. Zinter emphasized McCarthy’s exceptional character and his ability to rally his team.
While there are uncertainties about how McCarthy’s skills will translate to the NFL and whether he will end up with the Patriots, Zinter believes in McCarthy’s ability to make plays on the field, citing his dynamic style and knack for turning pressure situations into successes.
