NBC Sports Boston reported de facto GM Eliot Wolf “is pushing hard for McCarthy.” 98.5 Sports reports echo the same account stating, “Eliot Wolf is highly interested in JJ McCarthy.” Let’s face it, as long as the reins of the 2024 draft stay in Wolf’s hands, JJ McCarthy getting drafted as No.3 Overall by the New England Patriots won’t come off as a surprise, especially now that the Patriots town has McCarthy and Wolf.

It’s the negative connotation underscoring Wolf’s draft plan stemming from him pushing a tad too hard for JJ McCarthy when the Michigan boys didn’t impress the Patriots as much as they were expected to, per Tom Curran’s podcast. “That moxie and that confidence has come over in the interview process,” the guest said in the podcast, which is a complaint swirling around like fire amongst the analysts. That, and McCarthy’s limited physical attributes, don’t make him a suitable fit for the Patriots for most analysts.

Not for Nick Wright’s guest on First Things First anyway. While Wright was not pleased with Wolf “being in love with JJ McCarthy,” his guest had his fair points to defend the Patriots. “They were making disastrous moves before this new regime so I’m just saying let’s give the new regime a chance,” iterated the guest, prompting Wright and co-host Wildes to give their opinions a second thought.

Along with him advocating for the new regime at the Patriots, the guest on the show also suggested that McCarthy, “looks like he could be a linebacker.” But that is a topic to be figured out later if the Patriots can land JJ McCarthy amidst the frantic tussle. Especially with Kevin O’Connell’s desperation to draft McCarthy.

Kevin O’Connell is likely to overpay for JJ McCarthy

The real fight is between Kevin O’Connell and Eliot Wolf they are diving headfirst into the draft with one goal in mind – JJ McCarthy. The Vikings have the No.11 and No. 23 picks in the first round of the NFL draft. However, it is clear as day that O’Connell would need to trade up to secure a top 5 projected QB like McCarthy.

But will this frenzy behind McCarthy prove to be worse than good for the Vikings? Former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman thinks so. Initially, the team was expected to strike a trade with either the No.2 Commanders or the No.3 Patriots. Now with the Patriots also hot on their heels after McCarthy, Spielman believes that O’Connell might grow more desperate and wager what is considered the best trade package available of any team looking to trade up.

READ MORE: Despite Commanders Rumors, Vikings Predicted the “Best Fit” for J.J McCarthy, as per NFL Draft Analyst

“They’re going to have to give (picks 11 and 23) and their 2025 first, plus some more draft capital,” Spielman opined in a podcast. “I think J.J. will be a good pro, but Minnesota will overpay to get him. At this point, they don’t have a choice (given their current QB room),” Spielman further added. Who do you think will emerge victorious at the end of the chase? The Patriots or the Vikings? Drop your answers in the comments.

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