Predicting the Landing Spots for J.J. McCarthy at the 2024 NFL Draft

Cleveland Browns

Call this one a hunch or longshot, but it's not as scary of a thought as you might think. The Cleveland Browns owe Deshaun Watson a lot of guaranteed money, and it's safe to say he hasn't lived up to his contract. The Browns have to wonder internally if they made the wrong choice in trading for Watson and giving him that contract. If the Browns are high on a quarterback in this draft class that isn't projected to go in the top ten, would it be shocking for them to use a second or third-round pick on a quarterback? This would depend on if McCarthy falls, but if he does, it wouldn't surprise us if the Browns had interest, especially as an insurance policy on Watson. 

Cleveland Browns Super Bowl LIX Odds: +4000 

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Seattle Seahawks

When you have a prospect as polarizing as J.J. McCarthy in NFL circles, you have to sometimes connect the dots on where he might be selected. Some believe McCarthy has winning traits and can lead an NFL franchise, while others don't think he'll be able to keep up in the pro-style game. One team that will know him better than a lot of others is the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks hired Mike Macdonald to replace legendary head coach Pete Carroll this offseason. Macdonald knows McCarthy from his time at Michigan, which could make for a potential fit. We're not claiming to suggest that the Seahawks have interest, just that it could make sense. 

Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LIX Odds: +7500 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw what Baker Mayfield accomplished with their offense in 2023. Whether they retain his services in 2024 remains to be seen. It depends upon what range in the draft McCarthy will be selected. Some are bullish on him and believe he's thought of highly in NFL circles. If a team believes McCarthy can lead their franchise, it's possible he won't even be on the board. We're comfortable with him in this range and think the Buccaneers would feel the same near the end of the first round. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl LIX Odds: +7000 

New York Giants

With the New York Giants boasting two second-round picks, it's hardly out of the realm of possibility that they use one to select a quarterback. Daniel Jones is a question mark, and although he'll likely begin the year as the team's starting quarterback, it feels unlikely that he has a long-term future with the club. In this situation, McCarthy wouldn't have to come in and start immediately, and it could take a year to learn the Giants' offense and adjust to the pro-style game. We're not saying it's a lock, but the Giants' draft capital makes them an interesting consideration. 

New York Giants Super Bowl LIX Odds: +15000 

Cleveland Browns

Call this one a hunch or longshot, but it's not as scary of a thought as you might think. The Cleveland Browns owe Deshaun Watson a lot of guaranteed money, and it's safe to say he hasn't lived up to his contract. The Browns have to wonder internally if they made the wrong choice in trading for Watson and giving him that contract. If the Browns are high on a quarterback in this draft class that isn't projected to go in the top ten, would it be shocking for them to use a second or third-round pick on a quarterback? This would depend on if McCarthy falls, but if he does, it wouldn't surprise us if the Browns had interest, especially as an insurance policy on Watson. 

Cleveland Browns Super Bowl LIX Odds: +4000 

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