Todd McShay explains why JJ McCarthy projects higher than Quinn Ewers, Bo Nix, Michael Penix in 2024 NFL Draft

ESPN’s Todd McShay released his way-too-early 2024 NFL Mock Draft on Thursday, and he had some interesting commentary on Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy.

To begin his predictions, McShay predicted some wild trades for quarterbacks at the top of the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers going up to No. 1 to secure USC’s Caleb Williams, while the Washington Commanders made a move to go to No. 3 for North Carolina’s Drake Maye. In McShay’s mind, and the mind of most experts, those are the top two quarterbacks, which opens up the question to who will be the third signal caller drafted come next season.

There’s plenty of interesting choices. Some theorized it’ll be Texas’ Quinn Ewers, while others throw out Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon’s Bo Nix. McShay is listening to all the chatter, and he went in a different direction ahead of the beginning of the college football season.

In his first 2024 NFL Mock Draft, McShay has McCarthy as the third quarterback off the board, mocking him to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 20 overall pick.

“I thought about Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. here, too, but I ultimately went with McCarthy, who threw for 22 TDs and five interceptions last season in Michigan,” wrote McShay. “There are a handful of passers who could rise into Round 1– Penix, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Texas Quinn Ewers, to name a few — but McCarthy is intriguing because of his 6-foot-3 frame, running ability, accuracy and arm talent.

“In Minnesota, Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his deal, and the team could move on. Despite winning 13 games last season, the Vikings were outside the top 20 in Total QBR (49.9). McCarthy could be the future for a team like Minnesota if he takes the next step in 2023.”

For Todd McShay’s full 2024 NFL Mock Draft, CLICK HERE.

Of course, McCarthy to Minnesota makes sense, as he’s immensely talented. Still, it’ll be a stiff competition for that third quarterback spot, as there’s a bevy of talented players jockeying for position.

Perhaps another appearance in the College Football Playoff could help the Wolverines star secure his spot behind Williams and Maye. Maybe he’ll even push them for their rankings.

Nevertheless, it’ll be something to keep an eye on over the next couple of months. JJ McCarthy won’t just be playing to deliver Michigan a title, but to endear himself to NFL teams ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.