NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: J.J. McCarthy 'Could Very Well Be' Commanders Pick at No. 2 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

"If this was one or two people saying it, I'd probably dismiss it as the usual April draft buzz that doesn't come to fruition," Miller reported Friday. "But enough sources around the NFL are whispering that McCarthy could very well be the second quarterback off the board that it has to be considered possible at this point."

He added that writing off McCarthy as a candidate for the Washington Commanders "would be foolish based on league-wide intel surrounding the quarterbacks."

For much of the predraft process, McCarthy was generally viewed as the fourth-best quarterback available behind USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels. That's where he sits relative to his QB peers on Bleacher Report's 2024 big board.

However, McCarthy started gaining traction as a rumored target for Washington in late March, which had an accompanying effect on the betting markets.

Fans initially wondered if this was another Will Levis situation.

With the 2023 draft fast approaching, Levis suddenly entered the frame and was thought to be a candidate for the Houston Texans as early as the No. 2 pick. Instead, the Kentucky signal-caller fell out of the first round entirely on draft night.

While not referencing Levis directly, Miller cited the typical subterfuge that can fuel what's ultimately unfounded speculation surrounding a specific prospect, explaining that doesn't appear to be the case with McCarthy.

At least the Wolverines star shouldn't have a fall as steep as Levis' if the Commanders wind up doing the thing—taking Maye or Daniels—many have expected of them for weeks. He was the fifth overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings, who traded up from the No. 11 selection, in B/R's newest mock draft.

If McCarthy slips out of the top 10, it will be a big surprise given where he's projected to land right now.