The Minnesota Vikings will reportedly get a closer look at J.J. McCarthy.
According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, Vikings quarterbacks coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski will attend Michigan’s pro day this Friday. The team has also arranged a private workout with McCarthy next week.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will attend the workout at Ann Arbor.
Last week, Minnesota watched longtime starting quarterback Kirk Cousins sign with the Atlanta Falcons. While the Vikings inked Sam Darnold to a one-year deal, they’re still sensible candidates to draft a signal-caller early next month.
Along with possessing the No. 11 pick, the Vikings acquired pick No. 23 from the Houston Texans last week. That could give them more ammunition to trade up and draft McCarthy or another quarterback.
ESPN’s Matt Miller cited “considerable buzz” around Minnesota looking to move into the top five to snag a quarterback. Adofo-Mensah told KFAN on Monday that the Vikings have a “preferred scenario” for their additional first-round pick, but he didn’t provide any more details.
Minnesota emerged as a stronger betting favorite to draft the former Michigan standout after losing Cousins.
McCarthy’s draft stock appeared to be rising during the pre-draft cycle. He steered the Wolverines to an undefeated season by completing 72.3 percent of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four picks in a run-heavy offense.
His old college coach could expedite a Vikings pairing, as Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers represent a logical trading partner at pick No. 5.