In the run-up to this year’s NFL Draft, anticipation is building as experts forecast a flurry of quarterback selections in the early rounds.
Arguably the most polarizing player in the entire draft is Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy who has skyrocketed up draft boards.
Once thought of as a mid-first round pick at best, many analysts believe he will end up being a top-five pick come next month.
The most insane JJ McCarthy throws, a cutup: pic.twitter.com/PNEtl78Yw3
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 23, 2024
Can't lie JJ McCarthy has aura pic.twitter.com/EseuBPjI1Y
— Tek (@CookedByTek) March 27, 2024
Interestingly, former NFL general manager turned ESPN analyst, Mike Tannenbaum, has projected four quarterbacks to be taken in the first four picks.
In his latest mock draft, Tannenbaum has Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and McCarthy going in order.
However, what’s most notable is that he has the Arizona Cardinals taking McCarthy with the fourth overall pick, despite having the expensive Kyler Murray still on their roster.
Mike Tannenbaum projects the Cardinals to take J.J. McCarthy at No. 4 overall in the NFL draft along with a trade 🧐 pic.twitter.com/QircUcJdl3
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 28, 2024
“Look, QB availability is crucial in today’s NFL – 66 passers started at least one game last season – and Kyler Murray hasn’t played a full season since 2020,” Tannenbaum explained.
“I really like McCarthy’s long-term upside. The 21-year-old averaged 9 yards per attempt and completed 72.3% of his throws last season, and he bulked up to 219 pounds at the combine.”
“In short, I think he’s a better, younger and more durable quarterback than Murray right now, and I’m not passing up this chance.”
Mike Tannenbaum’s History drafting Top 5 QB’s— https://t.co/b3OEnof2hX pic.twitter.com/sYJqK6jTXC
— ‘Maine Enthusiast (@BDFITL) March 22, 2024
With Tannenbaum’s hypothetical pick, questions naturally arise about Murray’s future. In a surprising twist, Tannenbaum predicts a trade that would see Murray heading to the Minnesota Vikings, shaking up the first round of the draft.
According to Tannenbaum’s scenario, the Vikings would send their #11 pick to Arizona in exchange for Murray and a third-round selection, #66 overall.
This move would provide Minnesota, rumored to be in the market for a quarterback, with the experienced, yet flawed, Murray.
Perhaps QB-guru Kevin O’Connell could bring out the best in him.
That’s a hell of a deal for the cardinals. I’d take that in a heart beat.
— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) March 26, 2024
As expected, Tannenbaum has the Bears taking Caleb Williams with the first overall pick…
“Williams has rare talent and playmaking ability, and the trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh clears the road for him to come to Chicago. With a supporting cast of Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, Williams is set up for speedy development as a pro and quick success. The sacks (83 over three college seasons) and fumbles (16) are concerning, but I believe Williams’ fundamentals in the pocket (climbing instead of escaping backward) will improve. He averaged over 9 yards per pass attempt in each of his three college seasons (one at Oklahoma) and threw 93 TD passes.”
Then he has the Washington Commanders selecting Drake Maye second…
“Maye has ideal size at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds and shows really good pocket movement. He can make all the throws and has a good release, executing with accuracy and anticipation. I was impressed with what he was able to accomplish last season after losing receiver Josh Downs to the NFL, throwing for 3,608 yards. His traits remind me of Justin Herbert. And giving Maye an offense that has Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. should help him be productive in Year 1.”
Followed by the New England Patriots snatching up Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels third overall…
Daniels is coming off a massive final season at LSU, throwing 40 touchdown passes, improving his completion rate to 72.2%, avoiding turnovers with only four interceptions, and rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 more scores. I have concerns about his build — he was listed at 6-4, 210 pounds at LSU and didn’t weigh in at the combine — and he needs to add weight to withstand the rigors of an NFL season. But I really like the idea of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which would allow the Pats to let Daniels develop; there’s no rush or rule that says he has to play right out of the gate.
hell yes but it won't happen
— Frank (@Chisportsnut) March 27, 2024
Interestingly, he has Ohio State superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. dropping to the Chicago Bears at #9.
Mike Tannenbaum has Marvin Harrison Jr. falling to No. 9 in the draft.
In case you needed a reminder of why Mike Tannenbaum is no longer running an NFL team.
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) March 26, 2024
And he has Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos finding their presumed quarterback of the future in Oregon’s Bo Nix at #12.
mhj at 9 is wild
— Kevin (@Kevin16023616) March 26, 2024
What are your thoughts on Tannenbaum having four quarterbacks go in the first four picks?
Would you be surprised if the Cardinals draft McCarthy as he predicts?
When it’s all said and done, who will be the BEST quarterback to come from this draft???