JJ McCarthy – Quarterback – 21 years old – Junior – Michigan
Height: 1m90
Weight: 99 kilos
Estimated position in the draft: top 5
NFL Comparison: Kirk Cousins (Falcons)
During the season, JJ McCarthy showed a very solid level of play. But not carrying his Michigan team, all mock drafts projected him as a second part of the 1st round pick.
But for two months, it is no longer with the scouts that the experts discuss but with the managers and coaches: for them, JJ McCarthy offers a very reassuring profile.
Highlights of JJ McCarthy
– A game made for the NFL
– Technically clean
– Supports pressure
– Significant room for improvement
When we think of “NFL Quarterback,” images of spectacular deep throws come to mind. However, on Sundays, it is mainly short passes and in the center of the field that are thrown! Playing in a system Pro Style at Michigan taught him to sometimes settle for a screen pass.
JJ McCarthy possesses rare technique for such a young player, making him a prototype thrower from the pocket. Former NFL quarterback himself (2005-2017), Dan Orlovski nicknames him “Terminator” (see video at the end of the article). His throwing mechanics, footwork and body positioning are already on point.
In 2021, he was welcomed like the messiah in Ann Arbor because the university had been in the shadow of rival and neighbor Ohio State for many years. And in two seasons as a starter, he led the team to the playoffs both times! If he was not the only player in the victories, JJ McCarthy knows the high-stakes games and the pressure that goes with them: an asset before playing in the NFL.
JJ McCarthy turned 21 in January 2024! What he is already capable of doing at such a young age is impressive. And that makes his room for improvement immense: he ticks both the “floor” box and the “ceiling” box.
Weaknesses of JJ McCarthy
– Little weight on his shoulders at Michigan
– What type of quarterback?
The offense was mostly on the ground at Michigan: 37 carries for 24 passes on average per game in 2023. JJ McCarthy played 15 games in 2023 and in half of them, he threw 20 passes or less! If the opposing defense manages to stop his ground game, will he be able to carry the team with his passes?
There is little doubt that JJ McCarthy is capable of becoming a good manager in the NFL. But can it be more than that?
In summary
In 1999, Tom Brady joined the NFL after graduating from the same University of Michigan. Him too, from a team offering more runs than passes. His playing intelligence and seriousness made him the best of all time!
But if JJ McCarthy becomes even a quarterback on the level of Kirk Cousins or Matt Ryan, then he would already be worth a top 3 pick in the draft.
Possible destinations
Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders.
Chicago changes quarterback by trading Justin Fields for a bag of chips. If Caleb Williams has a quality that cannot be taught, JJ McCarthy is more reassuring. But be careful, for these same reasons, Mitch Trubisky was chosen before Patrick Mahomes in 2017!
The capital team needs a new quarterback: to revive the excitement of fans who have been depressed for too long! The Patriots are starting afresh without the iconic Bill Belichick. His successor Jerod Mayo played with a technical and intelligent quarterback like Tom Brady: the profile of JJ McCarthy could reassure him for his first job as head coach.
If the Minnesota Vikings obtained an additional choice in the 1st round, it is not to choose two players: but to move up the hierarchy and select a quarterback in the top 5 of the draft. In the hands of coach Kevin O'Connell (a former QB himself), he could fill the franchise's quarterback need all the way up north.
Although sometimes criticized for his limitations, Giants fans miss Eli Manning with his ability to win games. JJ McCarthy finished his university career with a record of 27 victories for only 1 defeat as a starter! “He was well surrounded” would say Master Yoda. But none of these successes are his fault?
The Denver Broncos, who will no longer be led by Russell Wilson, and the Raiders, who are currently led by Aidan O'Connell or Gardner Minshew, could swoop in on the player via a trade: but the price to pay will be very high since picks 12 and 13!
@espn Dan Orlovsky says #JJMcCarthy is “the #terminator in the pocket” 👀 #CFB #NFLdraft #NFL #football
♬ original sound – ESPN
