Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy is establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. As he guides the Wolverines into the College Football Playoff picture and climbs in the Heisman Watch, McCarthy has also garnered significant attention from NFL scouts.
With the Wolverines’ playoff chances increasing and McCarthy playing at an All-American level, he’s generating buzz as one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL scouts are closely watching his games, intrigued by his potential to make a significant impact at the professional level.
Related: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy leaning towards surprising 2024 decision
- J.J. McCarthy stats 2023: 1,799 passing yards, 18-3 TD-INT, 199.1 QB rating, 78.1 percent completion rate, 93.7 ESPN QBR, ypa, 10.6 yards per attempt, 168 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns
While McCarthy’s performance is generating buzz, he does have the option to return to Michigan for another season in 2024. He still isn’t viewed as one of the elite prospects in the 2024 draft class, with talents like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye taking the spotlight, but NFL teams hold him in high regard.
ESPN’s Matt Miller spoke to an AFC scout who raved about McCarthy, comparing him to a more athletic Kirk Cousins and viewing him as the third-best quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“He stacks up as a late first-rounder on my board and is climbing in the race for QB3 behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.”
Anonymous AFC scout on Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy’s worst performance of the season came in September, when he completed just 8-of-13 attempts for 143 passing yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions against Bowling Green. Since that performance, McCarthy has completed 70-plus percent of his passes in five consecutive games and has a 15-0 TD-INT line.
While the Wolverines’ quarterback doesn’t necessarily have to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, there would be plenty of incentive. He immediately would earn an NFL contract in 2024, receiving far more than he could through Name, Image and Likeness deals. Furthermore, he would potentially be a top-15 pick with so many teams in the quarterback market.
For now, McCarthy’s focus is kept on leading the Wolverines into the CFP and potentially joining the list of Michigan’s Heisman Trophy winners. Depending on how things unfold, making or missing the playoffs could have a significant impact on McCarthy’s decision at the end of the season.