2024 NFL Draft: Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels climb updated QB rankings
By Hunter Haas
A Polarizing Michigan Quarterback Checks In At No. 4
QB4: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)
Arguably the most polarizing quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft is J.J. McCarthy. Some analysts see McCarthy as nothing more than a “Midwest Zach Wilson” while others are intrigued by the potential in his right arm and the elite athletic profile he has.
Positives: Elite Athlete, Velocity, Pro-Style Experience, Footwork
Negatives: Decision-Making, Hero Ball, Accuracy Wanes On The Run
J.J. McCarthy is on the Day 1 radar thanks to an impressive athletic profile. He runs a 4.4, and that speed pops up on tape any time he can operate in space. That makes for a difficult assignment for any opposing defense, as the unit must pick its poison by letting McCarthy dice them up through the air or torment them as a scrambler.
He doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, at least not in terms of distance. But McCarthy has had little issue fitting tight windows in college, showing enough mustard on his throws to keep defenders from jumping passing lanes. I also found steady, reliable footwork on tape, which is something an NFL offensive coordinator would love to see.
As far as negatives, there are plenty. McCarthy, during his time with the Wolverines, hasn’t been asked to carry the load as much as the previous three names on this list. Sure, it’s unfair to blame him for being on a more well-rounded roster, but if he goes early on Round 1, there’s a great chance he will be tasked with more responsibilities than he’s used to.
Decision-making isn’t always his strong suit. Whether it’s from trusting his arm too much or feeling the need to force a big play, McCarthy has some truly puzzling throws on tape. He frequents throwing back across his body, which is nice for a highlight reel but is far from practical in the NFL.
I would be willing to target J.J. McCarthy toward the end of the first round, with the hope that a redshirt year could allow the young signal-caller to develop behind an established veteran. The Lions and Rams come to mind, as McCarthy could sit behind Jared Goff or Matthew Stafford for a season before taking the reins.