Video: Bill Belichick Praises J.J. McCarthy Being Drafted by Vikings After Jets Trade

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, working as a draft analyst for the Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular on ESPN Thursday night, very much liked the Minnesota Vikings' decision to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick.

"There's a lot to like about McCarthy," he said. "This kid's tough, he's a great leader, he's an alpha guy. Players love him, his teammates love him, and he makes a lot of good decisions. He really helps their team. He'll work well with the Vikings, and head coach Kevin O'Connell will do a great job with him, and he's got some good players to work with, especially Justin Jefferson."

The Vikings traded with the New York Jets to move up one spot, sending the Nos. 11, 129 and 157 picks in exchange for the Nos. 10 and 203 selections.

After losing Kirk Cousins in free agency this year, the Vikings needed to address the quarterback position.

The team wasn't able to get into the top five to take a player like Caleb Williams (No. 1, Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (No. 2, Washington Commanders) or Drake Maye (No. 3, New England Patriots)—and the Atlanta Falcons stunned everyone when they selected Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 despite having Cousins atop the depth chart—but once McCarthy slid to No. 10, the Vikings pounced.

It was a solid outcome for a team that needed to bring aboard a quarterback. McCarthy will immediately compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job.

And Belichick, at least, has liked what he's seen out of the Michigan man.

"This guy's got a quick release," Belichick said (2:05 mark). "He can get the ball out. He reads coverages well."

He also praised his ball security and ability to run with the ball. Belichick particularly liked that McCarthy took what defenses gave him rather than trying to force big plays at the expense of making mistakes during his college career.

"He just makes good decisions," Belichick emphasized.

It remains to be seen if Minnesota made a good decision in drafting McCarthy, but the young quarterback seemingly has a fan in Belichick.