As the excitement and anticipation for next month’s NFL Draft ramps up, one of the biggest questions that has emerged is just how high will Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy go?
Arguably the most polarizing player in the entire draft, McCarthy’s stock has sky-rocketed in recent weeks.
Once thought of as a mid-first rounder, there are serious thoughts that he may end up being a top-three pick.
Is JJ McCarthy the most pro ready QB in the draft? 👀 @Commanders #McCarthySznpic.twitter.com/0h9jFvYafL
— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) March 26, 2024
Despite his phenomenal record at Michigan, one of the biggest knocks on McCarthy is that there isn’t a ton of film on him passing in tough situations. (Or many situations at all for that matter.)
Of course, that’s not even McCarthy’s fault. After all, the Wolverines were largely a running team and featured arguably the best offensive line in the entire country.
Head coach (at the time) Jim Harbaugh knew what Michigan’s identity was and he stuck to it.
Having said that, a large part of that identity was having a smart, unselfish quarterback who he could always count on – and McCarthy was just that.
JJ McCarthy isn’t overrated by NFL Execs, he is UNDERRATED BY FANS. He has all the tools, but wasn’t asked to use them much at @UMichFootball For @minakimes, not seeing the wow plays on tape for McCarthy ends in a hilarious @LoveisBlindShow reference
📺 https://t.co/NpyhQ0iX1b pic.twitter.com/MNFbU46N7X
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 1, 2024
Based purely on style of play and circumstance, McCarthy wasn’t called upon to pass as much as the other top quarterbacks in the draft – such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr.
Again, that wasn’t his fault.
It’s up to NFL teams to dig through the weeds and figure out just how exactly McCarthy will translate to the NFL.
In the process of doing just that, it seems that several teams have fallen in love with him.
Charles Davis compared JJ McCarthy to.. CJ STROUD 🤣🤣💀💀 pic.twitter.com/gcK0cZVNhI
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) April 2, 2024
The team long-thought to be the most interested in McCarthy is the Minnesota Vikings.
With how strong McCarthy’s stock has risen, the Vikings would almost certainly have to trade up from their current position (#11 overall) to grab him.
Other teams said to be seriously interested are the Washington Commanders (#2), New York Giants (#6) and Denver Broncos (#12).
You know Jim Harbaugh would love to have his beloved college quarterback on the Los Angeles Chargers (#5) with him. But with Justin Herbert already in place, there is virtually zero chance of that happening.
This is the perfect clip to help fans realize what they may be missing when it comes to JJ McCarthy’s prospect profile!
Watch @BGWhitefield and @ScottBarrettDFB break down the Michigan Wolverine QB over on our YouTube channel! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zEChzyWgo7
— Fantasy Points (@FantasyPts) April 2, 2024
The latest team said to have fallen with love with McCarthy is the squad sitting with the #3 overall pick in the draft: the New England Patriots.
Entering what is sure to be a long and grueling rebuild, the Patriots are searching for their franchise quarterback of the future.
They have been reportedly debating between Maye and Daniels. It was assumed that they would just pick whichever one is remaining since the Commanders figure to be drafting one the pick prior.
However, McCarthy has thrown a wrench into those plans…
The New England Patriots REPORTELY have a strong interest in Michigan QB JJ MCCarthy pic.twitter.com/oRitOziQaF
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 2, 2024
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported on Patriots (de facto) general manager Eliot Wolf’s new-found love for McCarthy.
“I’m not big on McCarthy being a top-10 selection, but the UM signal caller to New England was the buzz on the pro-day circuit. De facto general manager Eliot Wolf is pushing hard for McCarthy, and he believes he has as much upside as any quarterback in this draft,” Pauline stated.
🚨🚨REPORT: The #Patriots drafting QB J.J. McCarthy with the 3rd overall pick was buzzing at his Pro Day.
👀
“De facto GM Eliot Wolf is pushing hard for McCarthy, and he believes he has as much upside as any QB in this draft”
(Via Tony Pauline & @mikekadlick) pic.twitter.com/HgNhvDYBw5
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 1, 2024
This move comes despite differing opinions among scouts regarding McCarthy’s potential, with some questioning his ceiling while others praise his accuracy, performance in big games, and proficiency in throwing deep balls.
McCarthy, who boasts an outrageous college record of 27-1 over two seasons at Michigan, culminating in a national championship victory, threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns against only four interceptions last season.
JJ McCarthy’s personal QB coach said Washington told Jim Harbaugh at the combine that “he checks all the boxes” and “it will be hard for any team to pass on him” 🤔 (@kevinsheehanDC) pic.twitter.com/Jh1lEbIXXE
— obvlon (@obvlon) April 2, 2024
What do you make of all of this brand-new love for McCarthy?
Are you buying it? … Could he potentially go as high as second overall to Washington?
If the Commanders pass, could you see New England taking him over whoever (Maye/Daniels) is left?
Do you think all of the McCarthy hype is just good old-fashioned smoke screens set by teams at the top?
If the Vikings are indeed dead-set on McCarthy, what will it cost them to trade up to #2 or #3 to ensure they get him???
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Whoever drafts Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy could be getting a “Kirk Cousins” for the next decade plus, says @mfarrellsports
“Whoever trades up to get him at No. 4, and someone likely will, could be getting a Kirk Cousins type for a decade… McCarthy has… pic.twitter.com/tb7KZ9srWO
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 2, 2024