2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

JJ McCarthy found himself in a quarterback battle this fall at Michigan with the incumbent starter who had just led Michigan to a National playoff appearance in 2021, Cade McNamara. McCarthy won the job, however, offering more versatility to the scheme with his run threat and opening up the Wolverines offense to RPO action. He was fairly productive, passing for 2719 yards and 22 touchdowns.

JJ McCarthy 40 Time

Projected 40 Time: 4.56 Seconds.

There are a lot of positives that flash on tape from McCarthy. He has a good arm, although not great, and can push the ball with velocity to the perimeter and down the seams. His athletic ability helps him get through his drops quickly and effectively, and his improvability is certainly there. I love McCarthy’s ability to effortlessly move the pocket and throw on the move, he’s mobile enough to gash people as a runner, too.

The accuracy isn’t consistently there like I would want it to be. He struggles with placement a lot, and doesn’t get the ball exactly where it needs to be. Part of that may be his platform, as his plant angle isn’t yet consistent and McCarthy loses a lot of power he could have in his arm by throwing too wide. He’s still learning the game, too, and has a lot of promise.