Vikings Schedule Private Pre-Draft Workout with JJ McCarthy in Ann Arbor

As they gear up for their most pivotal draft in recent Minnesota Vikings memory, NFL insiders around the globe are trying to figure out what GM Kwesi Adofo Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell are planning on April 25. All of that, however, is merely speculation.

We did get some tangible, non-speculative news on Monday, though, regarding the Vikings’ QB plans leading up to the draft. According to Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated), the Vikings have arranged a private workout with Michigan Wolverines QB JJ McCarthy that is scheduled for next week in Ann Arbor, separate from his Pro Day on Friday. Both Kwesi and O’Connell will be present at the private workout.

Minnesota also moved forward at quarterback, first on a one-year, $10 million deal with Darnold, then on a trade with the Houston Texans (talks on it started before free agency) that’d give the Vikings a second first-round pick, arming them for a potential trade up. They also had plans in motion for quarterbacks coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski to be in Ann Arbor for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy’s pro day this Friday. Minnesota also arranged a private workout on campus with McCarthy for next week, with O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah set to make that trip.

Albert Breer – Sports Illustrated

Minnesota Vikings hot after Michigan’s JJ McCarthy?

The steam is so hot right now, connecting McCarthy to the Minnesota Vikings that they are actually more likely to land him right now at -130, according to DraftKings, than not. That’s right, if you want to bet on JJ McCarthy landing in Minnesota, you actually have to bet $130 to win $100.

The next team listed in the JJ sweepstakes, the New York Giants, are +250 (bet $100 to win $250). It’s noteworthy that earlier today, prior to Breer’s report of a private workout being scheduled, McCarthy was + money just like the other QBs the Vikings have been linked to.

There’s plenty of time left until the draft, with over a month remaining. However, it’s highly likely that the Vikings have their sights set on a quarterback. The real question is which one they favor the most and how much draft capital they’re willing to let go.

Related: Vikings Believe Sam Darnold Has Fixed Mechanical Issues and They Brought Proof

Remember, on the same day that Breer posted this article regarding JJ’s scheduled workout with the Vikings, local beat writer, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) reported that it is either Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels that Kwesi and KOC covet, not McCarthy. Stay tuned… we still have over a month until the draft actually takes place.