JJ McCarthy Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mel Kiper Jr. suggests surprise QB could 'overtake' Drake Maye in NFL Draft

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 3/8/24

One of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft could hear his name called earlier than expected.

Though the consensus top quarterbacks in the 2024 class didn't participate in last week's NFL combine — USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels skipped the throwing drills and athletic testing — several other QBs shined at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After impressing those in attendance with his arm strength and pinpoint accuracy, Michigan's J.J. McCarthy is the latest signal-caller flying up analyst's draft boards.

According to Mel Kiper Jr., he may have even done enough to usurp one of the top-tier quarterbacks.

"Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy is a battle," Kiper said on ESPN's "First Draft." "I'm talking this morning to people before the show and all I hear is J.J. McCarthy."

“JJ McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye (in the NFL Draft)”

- Mel Kiperpic.twitter.com/2Cuq55ngP6
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 8, 2024

McCarthy is arguably the hardest quarterback to rank in the upcoming draft.

The 21-year-old is a proven winner, having gone 27-1 as Michigan's starter and ending his collegiate career with a 34-13 win over Washington in the CFP National Championship. Yet the Wolverines' offense hardly ever ran through him, instead relying heavily upon the run game. For reference, McCarthy's pass attempts in 2023 (332) is significantly lower than Maye's season total (425) despite playing in three more games.

While McCarthy has fewer throws and "wow" plays to judge him on, Kiper argues this could actually work in his favor.

"J.J. McCarthy is so smart, so tough, athletic," Kiper continued. "He almost because of what he was protected in doing — because they didn't let him carry the offense — has benefited from that because it adds some mystery to it. He's kind of [an] old school quarterback, didn't have to throw it 40-50 times."

In his recent Mock Draft 2.0, Kiper has the Patriots selecting Maye No. 3 overall and the Broncos picking McCarthy No. 12 overall. Don't be surprised, however, if those positions are swapped come draft night.

"Bottom line is J.J. McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye [in the NFL Draft]," Kiper concluded.

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