Let's face it, we miss football. During the silence of the NFL offseason which serves as the longest in all of major professional sports, the 2024 NFL Draft will provide football fanatics alike with something to hold them over until fall arrives. With the festivities coming live from “The Motor City” in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, it is only right that our NFL Draft coverage begins with the quarterback who recently led the Michigan Wolverines to a National Championship last fall. It is time to check out our NFL Draft series where our JJ McCarthy team prediction and pick will be revealed.

Here are the NFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

2024 NFL Draft Odds: JJ McCarthy Team Prediction

Minnesota Vikings: +170

New England Patriots: +380

New York Giants: +450

Denver Broncos: +650

Why The Vikings Could Select JJ McCarthy

The odds on favorite to land McCarthy, there is a whole lot of speculation that Minnesota could be the team to select the Michigan standout. Entering the draft, the Vikings hold the 11th overall pick after compiling a 7-10 overall record during the 2023 season.

Entering last fall, Minnesota had lofty expectations after it was QB Kirk Cousins that led the team to a 13-4 record and a playoff appearance. After getting off to a slower-than-expected start in 2023 with losses in four of their first five games, the Vikings finally began to click on all cylinders before Cousins was sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury. Fast forward months later, and Minnesota is in the market for their next franchise signal-caller after Cousins decided to leave town and sign a hefty contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Without a doubt, all signs could be pointing towards the Vikings selecting McCarthy due to some rumblings within the organization about trading up to select the 21-year-old. Indeed, it is unlikely that JJ will fall to 11, but don't put it past Minnesota to put together a trade offer that teams within the top ten cannot refuse.

Why The Patriots Could Select JJ McCarthy

Ladies and gentlemen, these are not the same ‘ole Patriots of old. In reality, the once-great dynasty led by head coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady has come and gone. With the departure of the former at the conclusion of last year's regular season, the Patriots are officially entering uncharted waters for the first time in decades.

In an intriguing move, owner Robert Kraft decided to go the way of a former player as head coach in hiring Jared Mayo. Although equipped with a defensive mindset, the Patriots' cupboard is bare in terms of viable quarterback options on the roster. Currently,  the only quarterback with some playing experience is Bailey Zappe who has been inconsistent throughout his career to say the least. After it was QB Mac Jones that failed to materialize in Foxborough, there is no question that New England cannot afford to swing and miss on another possible quarterback of the future. With McCarthy's winning past, poised nature, and ability to make plays by escaping the pocket, he could be the perfect spokesman to lead New England into their new era.

Why the Giants Could Select JJ McCarthy

It wasn't very long ago when the New York “Football” Giants showed their loyalty to QB Daniel Jones by rewarding him with a four-year, $25-million dollar deal after “Danny Dimes” led the franchise to a 9-7 record including an NFC Wild Card win over the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. Fast forward to 2023, and disaster ensued. After starting the first six games under center, Jones was diagnosed with an ACL tear in devastating fashion thus effectively ending his season. While the Giants are paying Jones way too much money to ride the pine, New York will certainly be exploring all options when it comes to Thursday night's festivities.

After having a private workout with the Giants, there is no doubt that New York and McCarthy's interest in one another is more than mutual. With the Giants holding serve with the sixth overall pick, it may be far too tempting for New York not to pull the trigger on someone with the upside of McCarthy. Will the Giants bite, or reaffirm their commitment to Daniel Jones? We'll find out very shortly.

Why the Broncos Could Select JJ McCarthy

Don't let the recent Zach Wilson acquisition fool you… the Broncos are very well still in the market for a quarterback. A once proud Denver franchise has been fortunate enough to have the likes of John Elway and Peyton Manning grace the gridiron with the orange and blue, but with that comes hefty expectations from a very passionate fanbase. Not to mention, this is a franchise that is parched for some winning football having not been to the playoffs since 2015 when it was Denver that won its third Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl 50.

Despite some significant buzz surrounding QB Bo Nix and the Broncos, don't count out Denver to have something up their sleeve come draft day. Throughout the offseason, Denver has obviously had their fair share of QB drama with the eventual release of Russell Wilson. Sitting with the 12th pick in the draft, the Broncos may be just out of reach for one of the big quarterback names on Thursday, but don't be surprised if Sean Payton and company trade up in a move that will send sound waves throughout the league.

Final JJ McCarthy Draft Position Prediction & Pick

The NFL Draft is almost here, and the drama will be at an all-time high! While there could be plenty of teams that could pull the trigger on McCarthy when on the clock, put your money on the Minnesota Vikings to select the Michigan product due to the mutual interest from both parties and the opportunity being too good to pass up if you are apart of the Vikings front office.

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Final JJ McCarthy Draft Position Prediction & Pick: Minnesota Vikings (+170)