Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy could be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, particularly if a team trades up to take him. The 6-foot-2, 219-pound passer threw 49 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions over three college seasons, leading the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023. He completed 68% of his passes when under pressure last season, which led the FBS. He went 27-1 as a starter in his career.
McCarthy is ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the ESPN consensus rankings ahead of the 2024 draft. Here's how draft experts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Steve Muench from Scouts Inc., Jordan Reid and Field Yates rank him in this class, along with their scouting reports:
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J.J. McCarthy scouting report and rankings
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 12 overall, No. 4 QB
McCarthy finished his college career with a 27-1 record as a starter. He can throw into tight windows against zone looks and complete passes against press-man coverage thanks to his anticipation, accuracy and arm strength. He keeps his eyes downfield and makes some impressive throws even when he knows he's going to take a big hit. McCarthy also extends plays and throws well on the run. He has a good feel for when to scramble, and he's a threat to run for first downs on designed quarterback rushes. -- Muench
Kiper's ranking: No. 14 overall, No. 4 QB
McCarthy has first-round arm talent and can beat defenses with his legs too. He ranked third in the country in Total QBR (89.2) and completion percentage (72.3%) in 2023. Since he took over as the Wolverines' starter in 2022, he threw 44 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. Five of those INTs have come in two games, however; he threw three against Bowling Green earlier in 2023, and he had two pick-sixes in the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to TCU in 2022. Outside of those two games, he has managed games effectively and made great decisions with the football.
Sure, McCarthy averaged just 22.1 pass attempts per game in 2023 and only needed to complete 10 passes in the national title game, but his upside is immense. -- Kiper
Yates' ranking: No. 21 overall, No. 4 QB
I think McCarthy could get drafted earlier than expected. His passing sample size is quite a bit smaller than those of the other top quarterbacks in this class, but his indisputable traits certainly have teams excited. I see very good ball placement -- he completed 72.3% of his throws last season -- and mobility on tape. And he bulked up from 202 pounds to an impressive 219 for the combine. -- Yates
Miller's ranking: No. 22 overall, No. 4 QB
Maye's powerful right arm allows him to hit every area of the field, and high-level traits are obvious on tape. He has great arm strength and mobility to create on the go, and he is poised and aggressive as a passer and runner. Maye is also excellent under pressure and has proved he can carry a roster lacking in elite talent at core positions. He threw for 3,608 yards, 24 TDs and 9 interceptions last season. Considering he had only 26 starts in college, we could see Maye sit early in his career -- but NFL scouts have already compared his ability to Herbert's and Josh Allen's. -- Miller
Reid's ranking: No. 33 overall, No. 4 QB
McCarthy is one of the most-talked-about prospects in this draft cycle. In a Michigan offense that leans on the run and incorporates play-action principles, he reached 25 or more passing attempts in only 12 of his 28 career starts. Scouts wanted to see more. That said, McCarthy displayed ball placement, anticipation and mobility when he has been allowed to throw the ball, outside of an uncharacteristically poor three-interception performance against Bowling Green early last season. His 88.2 QBR and 72.3% completion percentage were both top-six numbers in the country in 2023. -- Reid