How JJ McCarthy is most 'polarizing' QB prospect in 2024 NFL Draft
J.J. McCarthy caused all sorts of conversation throughout this NFL Draft process. The former Michigan quarterback soared up mock drafts this spring.
Winning a national title and having Jim Harbaugh as your head coach helps. But that made McCarthy polarizing, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Once thought as a late first-round pick or early second-round pick, McCarthy could be in the top five.
In fact, it might be surprising to see McCarthy still on the board outside of the top 10.
“I don’t see him getting past [Pick] 5 or 6,” an NFC exec said, via ESPN. “Definitely not getting out of the top 10. Anticipation, decision-making, preparation, coming from pro-style offense — he’s got a lot going for him. You see him process, go through progressions. That’s an easier predictor of what it would look like at the NFL level.”
McCarthy wasn’t asked to do as much as the other top quarterbacks in the draft. But he was solid nonetheless.
McCarthy finished his college career with 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 67.6% completion percentage.
“Movement ability, arm talent, laying the football, throwing off-platform. He did it all [at his pro day],” an evaluator told ESPN.
McCarthy thrived in a pro-style offense and system.
“[McCarthy] wasn’t a game manager because they had to hide something — he has high-level traits,” another NFL national scout said. “It’s more a function of Jim Harbaugh’s offense. He’s never been asked to throw 30-plus times a game but I think he can handle it.”
However, some AFC coaches and executives don’t exactly see the big deal in McCarthy. The quarterback has been mostly mocked to the New York Giants or Minnesota Vikings in trade ups in the draft, NFC teams.
“Harbaugh didn’t trust him like he did Andrew Luck,” an anonymous AFC coach said. “When he makes a mistake, Harbaugh leans into the running game even more so during the flow of the game.”
Another scout didn’t understand the immense hype around McCarthy over the last few months.
“I just don’t see it,” the scout said. “I don’t see consistent accuracy, his ability to get it done inside the white lines, and [the Michigan staff] didn’t call games or play offensively like they trusted him.”
However, there’s a reason why McCarthy is going up this time of year. He might actually have something special.
“What you’re seeing now is the coaches and coordinators are more involved in the draft process [in March and April], and they are realizing, s—, he’s a pro already,” the NFC exec said. “And he showed more arm strength at his pro day than I thought he had.”