2024 NFL DRAFT: J.J. MCCARTHY

By John Mesenbrink @JohnMesenbrink

Michigan (JR), QB

One of the biggest risers on draft boards in the upcoming NFL draft, J.J. McCarthy is getting strong consideration from teams looking to move up in the draft. One could argue, is McCarthy’s juice worth the squeeze? Naysayers will point out that he played on a defensive team at Michigan, which was a run-first-type offense. Let’s dive into the numbers. While navigating last year’s national championship team, McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards, 22 TDs and 4 INTs, with a school-record 72.3 completion percentage. He also ran for 202 yards and 3 rushing TDs. There is also something to be said of his 27–1 record as a starter for the Wolverines. Should be a top 5 QB taken in the draft — likely drafted by a QB-needy, or dare I say QB-desperate team — and should be a day one starter in the NFL.

Pluses:

• Experience & Leadership
• Arm Talent & Velocity
• On-Field Focus
• Above-Average Quickness
• Speed, Agility & Evasiveness
• Accuracy over Middle of the Field
• Run Threat

Concerns:

• Accuracy Outside Numbers
• First Read QB
• Footwork
• Long Balls Lack Touch
• Physical Size