J.J. McCarthy to Patriots, Drake Maye to Vikings in Bucky Brooks' 2024 NFL Mock Draft

It's been four years since Tom Brady departed the New England Patriots, but one draft expert predicted that the team will have another former Michigan quarterback under center in 2024.

In his latest mock draft, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks predicted that the Patriots will use the No. 3 pick to select J.J. McCarthy.

"Given Tom Brady's success with the Patriots, taking McCarthy—the best quarterback in Michigan history—could be the move for Eliot Wolf," Brooks stated. "Despite his inexperience as a passer, McCarthy's athleticism, intangibles and winning pedigree could fit Jerod Mayo's profile for a QB1."

McCarthy has become a popular prospect in recent weeks. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that some league executives believe there's a chance the former Wolverines star could go as high as No. 2 to the Washington Commanders.

Notably, Brooks' prediction that McCarthy would be selected by the Patriots resulted in a free-fall for North Carolina's Drake Maye.

In a lovely scenario for the Minnesota Vikings, Maye fell in their laps at the No. 11 pick that they acquired from the Houston Texans. Landing Maye without having to move up would give the Vikings a perfect replacement for Kirk Cousins after he left for the Atlanta Falcons.

"Kevin O'Connell and Co. might have to move up the board to land a franchise quarterback, and they have two first-round picks to help them maneuver," Brooks stated. "Maye, an athletic playmaker with A-plus arm talent and mobility, is a perfect fit for the Vikings' offense."

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Maye as the No. 1 quarterback prospect and McCarthy at No. 4 in its latest draft big board. However, it now appears that McCarthy's recent rise in popularity could hurt Maye's chances of being among the top three quarterbacks selected in next month's draft.