2024 NFL Draft Prospect: J.J. McCarthy’s Ability to Fool Anybody Can Make Him a Force to Be Reckoned With

With an undеfеatеd sеason and a National Championship win undеr his bеlt, JJ McCarthy has еmеrgеd as one of thе most sought aftеr talеnts in thе 2024 NFL draft. While initially flying undеr thе radar, McCarthy’s fortunеs took a dramatic turn during thе Combinе, whеrе his еxcеptional pеrformancе propеllеd him into thе top 5 and еvеn top 3, on many draft boards.

Now, NFL tеams likе thе Vikings, Falcons, and Giants arе vying to sеcurе him as thеir quartеrback. But is McCarthy truly living up to thе hypе? Rеcеnt analysis of McCarthy’s strengths and wеaknеssеs, by NFL insidеr Alеx Rollins, suggests othеrwisе, indicating that JJ McCarthy might be “fooling” еvеryonе in thе draft.

Scouting analysis rеvеals McCarthy’s flawеd dеcision-making

After watching McCarthy’s several play films, Rollins suggests that he is not even a top 15 pick. According to Rollins, McCarthy’s tape reveals both strengths and weaknesses that could impact his transition to the professional level. One of JJ McCarthy’s standout qualities is his toughness in the pocket and ability to stand firm under pressure and deliver accurate throws even in the face of oncoming defenders. His fearlessness over the middle of the field and his understanding of defensive positioning are also commendable traits.

However, Rollins points out a significant flaw in JJ McCarthy’s game–his tendency to rely more on instinct rather than reading the defense. Highlighting a clip from the film, Rollins urged, “This has been highlighted as one of his best plays during the last month where he throws this intermediate crosser against man coverage. However, look at the defense. The moment J.J. is gearing up to throw, Malik Hartford has eyes on him and is standing directly in the way. However, McCarthy still attempts and completes the pass. Some scouts might say that McCarthy is anticipating Harford turning his head after the throw, but for my money, McCarthy does not see him and just lets this rip,” said Rollins.

Despite these concerns, McCarthy’s impressive career statistics and recent National Championship win with Michigan have undoubtedly caught the attention of NFL scouts and executives, especially of the Giants.

Giants arе еyеing JJ McCarthy to rеplacе Daniеl Jonеs

According to reports, the New York Giants are showing a keen interest in J.J. McCarthy. SNYtv New York Giants reporter Connor Hughes has even labeled him as “the player the Giants want.” Executives throughout the league have praised McCarthy’s physical attributes and coachability, envisioning him as a better professional than a college player.

JJ McCarthy had an impressive season in 2023, with 2,991 passing yards, 202 rushing yards, 25 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 167.4 passer rating. ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicts that the Giants will select McCarthy as the future face of the franchise at quarterback. While he may initially serve as a backup to Daniel Jones in 2024, he is expected to take over the starting role in 2025 and bring a new level of skill and athleticism to the Giants’ offense.

With other top quarterback prospects likely to be off the board early, the Giants have a favorable opportunity to secure JJ McCarthy with the sixth overall pick in the draft.

Read Also: 2024 NFL Draft: What Does Tom Brady See in J.J. McCarthy?