J.J. McCarthy Names Vikings' Justin Jefferson No. 1 WR He Wants to Throw to in NFL

Could J.J. McCarthy find himself with the Minnesota Vikings?

The former Michigan Wolverines quarterback might be hoping he lands in the North Star State when the 2024 NFL draft kicks off this spring.

When asked by CBS Sports on Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine which three receivers he wants to throw to in the NFL, McCarthy said Vikings star Justin Jefferson is at the top of his list.

McCarthy is one of the top quarterbacks in this spring's draft, though he's expected to be among the second-tier level signal-callers available behind the likes of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

That said, the Vikings, which own the No. 11 pick, could very well land a player like McCarthy, who has already interviewed with the franchise at this week's combine.

McCarthy told reporters Friday of his interview with Minnesota:

"Went amazing. Coach [Kevin] O'Connell led the whole thing. Just being able to see him in person, he was a lot taller than I thought... Everything about what they were talking about, everything they wanted out of a quarterback is something that aligns with what I want. Just being able to get on the board with them, have them go through their plays, it was something really special and I enjoyed it."

The Vikings still have a decision to make in regards to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is a free agent this offseason. If they opt to move on, the franchise drafting his replacement could be the most likely outcome this spring.

And McCarthy wanting to throw to Jefferson comes as no surprise. The 24-year-old, who is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named Offensive Player of the Year during the 2022 season, is arguably the best receiver in the NFL.

Jefferson missed seven games last season due to injury, and yet he still caught 68 passes for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department lists McCarthy as the fourth-best quarterback available in this year's draft. He's believed to be a first-round talent given the numerous teams in need of quarterback help this spring.