Patriots hosting potential QB draft target J.J. McCarthy

The Patriots hosted Michigan QB and potential top draft target J.J. McCarthy for dinner Sunday night, according to Christopher Price and Nicole Yang of The Boston Globe. Along with dinner, the Patriots will formally host McCarthy for a pre-draft visit in Foxborough on Monday. 

The Patriots, who hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and desperately need franchise-altering quarterback talent, have already conducted pre-draft visits with LSU’s Jayden Daniels and UNC’s Drake Maye. 

McCarthy has seen his stock soar over the last few months, going from a potential late first-round selection to a viable top-five pick for a team searching for a QB. 

The 21-year-old McCarthy led Michigan to a national title in 2023, recording 2,991 passing yards and 22 touchdowns along with just four interceptions. His 72.3 completion percentage ranked in the top 10 among CFB quarterbacks.

Even though his baseline stats may not be as lofty as those compiled by other signal-callers like Daniels, McCarthy’s mechanics, footwork, athleticism, and leadership intangibles have all contributed to his rise up the draft leaderboard as of late. 

McCarthy noted at the NFL scouting combine that he was impressed by his initial meetings with the Patriots’ top brass.

“It went amazing,” McCarthy said of his meeting with New England, per Price and Yang. “Coach [Jerod] Mayo was just an awesome guy, asking really great questions. You could definitely tell he’s been around this process a long time, and been a part of it. Just great interactions. It would be an honor to be part of their organization.”