Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy 2024 NFL Draft Profile

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Height/Weight: 6-2, 219

Age: 21.3

Strengths

• Intangibles: Noted as an excellent leader and teammate. Well regarded by coaches and executives at all levels
• Athleticism: Nimble in the pocket with quick feet to roll out and loose shoulders that permit throwing on the run
• NFL Offense Experience: Has played in a pro style scheme with under center reps and play calls that target the middle of the field

Areas of Improvement-Concerns

• Build: Lacks the mass and overall thickness of a starting QB
• Arm Strength: Not a bad arm and can be developed but doesn’t possess a whip
• Touch: Everything is one speed. Even deep balls lack an arch and overall ball flight. Will need to learn how to layer throws

Evaluation:

Perhaps no prospect has seen a more meteoric rise this draft cycle than J.J. McCarthy. There was buzz on him before the season as a potential first round pick, but it seems all but a given that he’s a lock to go top 5 thanks to his NFL readiness after running a pro style scheme en route to a national championship at Michigan. McCarthy will need to work on the physical part of his game, as he lacks some high end traits, but being only a couple months removed from his 21st birthday lends teams to believe he is still far from his ceiling as a QB in the NFL.

James Foster’s Latest Big Board Ranking:

26th overall, 5th ranked QB