Middlehurst-Schwartz: “McCarthy’s continued ascent – both as a player and prospect – could take him all the way to the top three. No matter the pick, however, New England might not want to throw its rookie quarterback into the fray right away unless it can significantly upgrade its skill-position talent later in the draft.”

Peter Schrager, NFL.com: No. 4 to the New York Giants (via trade with the Arizona Cardinals)

Schrager: “New York moves up two spots — tossing Arizona this year’s third-round pick (No. 70 overall) and next year’s second-rounder — to land McCarthy. This is merely a mock draft, but I could see this deal coming to fruition. Joe Schoen didn’t draft Daniel Jones, J.J. checks a lot of boxes, and Big Blue can get out of Jones’ contract after this upcoming season.”

Field Yates, ESPN: No. 5 to the Minnesota Vikings (via trade with the Los Angeles Chargers)

Yates: “Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy’s combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet. The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success. McCarthy completed 72.3% of his passes and threw only four interceptions last season.”

Danny Heifetz, The Ringer: No. 4 to the Minnesota Vikings (via trade with the Arizona Cardinals)

Heifetz: “Minnesota has the infrastructure for McCarthy to succeed: Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson (though he is coming off a torn ACL), and two legit offensive tackles in Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, not to mention head coach Kevin O’Connell, who is among the league’s better play callers… McCarthy is a [Brock] Purdy-esque QB entering a Shanahan-esque system. Minnesota will be asking McCarthy to do his best Purdy impression.”