Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) - Melanie Maxwell/USA TODAY NETWORK
The 2024 NFL Combine is underway and Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy will be in attendance. The NFL Scouting Combine will give college football players a chance to meet with NFL coaches, GMs, and other staff members, as well as show off their skills. When the combined time comes around, there are always a couple of players who choose not to participate, and instead, wait to throw during their Pro Day. While this may be the case for some, McCarthy does plan on throwing at the combine along with other quarterbacks who will be in attendance.
J.J. McCarthy Collegiate Career
McCarthy may not be the most notable quarterback in this year’s draft, but he did just win a National Championship with the Wolverines just a couple of months ago. If anything, he comes from a winning culture. McCarthy’s first season with Michigan was in 2021. He competed and earned the starting position for the Wolverines. He could have played one more season, but with winning the National Championship, and having Wolverines head coach, Jim Harbaugh become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, McCarthy also chose to move on.
In his three years with Michigan, McCarthy played in almost every game. He completed 482 passes for 6,226 yards and 49 touchdowns, only throwing 11 interceptions, according to Sports Reference. His collegiate completion percentage is 67.6. McCarthy has shown improvement every season, which is something NFL coaches will take note of. McCarthy has not lost many games in his entire football career, and he knows how to win.
Draft Stock
Pre-NFL Combine, where McCarthy goes in this year’s draft is up for debate. Some believe he will fall, but he is still labeled a first-round pick. There are many NFL teams looking for a quarterback, whether it be to come in and start right away, to compete to start, or to develop under a veteran. McCarthy is a debate on where he compares to other quarterbacks because of the strength of Michigan’s run game. Because they were able to play so well running the ball, there were games where McCarthy did not have to throw too much. While this is not his fault, it still will affect the debate that surrounds him.
Right now he is among the top six quarterbacks in this year’s NFL Draft. It is going to be an interesting draft this year with there being numerous quarterbacks, but also a ton of other position players that also deserve to be a first-round pick, and teams who do not need to use a first-round pick on a quarterback. So, while McCarthy is a first-round pick, this will heavily depend on other movements throughout the first day.
Implications for McCarthy Throwing
With quarterbacks such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye not throwing, McCarthy will get a chance to show off his skills and be among the top quarterbacks throwing. This will be a big help in improving his draft stock, as teams with a first-round pick will keep a heavy eye on him. Other quarterbacks will be there to meet with teams, but McCarthy will have the chance to shine.
The 2024 NFL Combine is already underway. The quarterbacks will be throwing on Saturday. Be sure to watch J.J. McCarthy and the other quarterbacks show off their skills.
