Broncos General Manager George Paton confirmed to reporters today that the organization will meet with Michigan quarterback prospect J.J. McCarthy tonight at the NFL Scouting Combine.
McCarthy is regarded as a potential top-10 choice by some, and Sean Payton is already a fan of the quarterback. While it is only a rumour, Minnesota Vikings longtime broadcaster Paul Allen was told by a “pretty reliable person” that Sean Payton “loves” J.J. McCarthy.
“There’s a little rumour going around that Sean Payton likes J.J. McCarthy. Payton wants the next Drew Brees. So keep that in mind when you’re thinking 11, and if you’re thinking J.J. McCarthy at 11, remember that behind you is the desperate Payton, who will literally beg, borrow, and steal to get precisely what he wants out of this selection in terms of quarterbacks. Over the weekend, a reputable source informed me that Payton is very interested in J.J. McCarthy.”
Again, this is a rumour, but what Allen says makes logical. McCarthy is described as a “elite processor,” a feature shared by quarterbacks Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes, all of whom Sean Payton has had success with or attempted to acquire. Payton reiterated this at the Combine when asked about the qualities he looks for in a quarterback. He responded to a reporter’s inquiry by saying “how quickly they can process the information”.
McCarthy is 21 years old, agile, possesses an NFL arm, terrific stature, and untapped potential. He was not given a lot of responsibilities at Michigan, but that does not imply he cannot execute them. He has shown flashes during his college career, which has the league interested by his potential.
Now, if the Broncos and Sean Payton want McCarthy, they may need to move up a few clubs. Paul Allen, the source of the McCarthy/Payton rumours, is the Vikings’ play-by-play announcer, and the team will be looking for a quarterback if Kirk Cousins does not re-sign. They selected 11th, one spot ahead of the Broncos, and were linked to McCarthy early in the process. The Commanders, Patriots, Giants, and Falcons, for example, are among the top ten quarterback-needy teams that might sign him.
The Broncos will most certainly interview multiple quarterbacks during the Combine, but McCarthy is the first reported interview between the organization and a top QB candidate in the draft.
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