2024 NFL Draft: Former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy reveals what he prides himself most on

Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy's draft stock has been on the rise, yet he remains one of the more polarizing prospects available in the 2024 NFL Draft.

He was surrounded by the "game-manager" narrative throughout the better part of the season, which seems to be more of a reflection of simply what the Michigan offense is asking him to do responsibility-wise, rather than what he brings to the table in his own right.

McCarthy has shown several times that he can have success in the deep passing game, and his athleticism and ability to damage with his legs will help teams out at the next level.

The signal-caller met with the media during Michigan's pro day to discuss the pre-draft process, his growing stock and what he's most proud of himself on from and tangibles and an intangibles perspective.

Despite a wide array of traits and on-the-field talents he possesses that are impressing scouts, what he's most proud of has nothing to do with his physical assets.

"It’s about potential, traits, character — all that little stuff," McCarthy said when speaking on he himself compared alongside the class as a whole. "You could throw for 5,000 yards in a year, but if you have awful character and your teammates don’t like you, what’s that going to do for you? I pride myself on the intangibles and being able to be a leader." 

McCarthy finished out the 2023 season with a 72.3% completion rate, tossing for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He ends his time at Michigan with a 67.6% completion rate, 6,226 passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over three seasons.

Expect him to be off the board within the first 15 picks when action gets underway in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25.