2024 NFL Draft: Teams Where J.J McCarthy Could Be a Starter From Day 1

Former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy made many heads turn during the NFL combine at Indianapolis. Passing over 50 yards to receivers from the Ducks, he showcased his ability to adapt to a new environment as and when top-5 required. Being projected as a first-round pick, many analysts are speculating about his position as a starter during his debut year.

Reports have already suggested he has met with the entourages of several teams to discuss his future, the first one being the Bears. However, being a starter for a National Championship-winning team, McCarthy may be top, looking forward to entering the NFL in style and creating his mark as soon as he is drafted.

Draft destinations where McCarthy can be a starting success

Several teams have expressed a concrete interest in McCarthy, including the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Atalanta Falcons, and the Denver Broncos. However, what remains prime for McCarthy will be to choose a destination where he can be a starter ideally. Despite not being the flashiest QB in his draft class, McCarthy is a National Championship winner coming into the NFL with a 27-1 NCAA record. The 21-year-old grew up just outside of Chicago in La Grange Park, Illinois, and has hinted his views on the Bears during the combine. As per Pete Nakos, he said, “Certainly would be a dream come true.”

Pat McAfee said Bo Nix would be the most likely choice for the Broncos, even though McCarthy impressed their scouts during the Combine. The most likely destination where he could be a star and a starter in the NFL would be with the Raiders. With the draft looming, which team will be the smartest to pick McCarthy first?

JJ McCarthy’s college stats make him a first-round pick

JJ McCarthy’s rise to prominence was a route paved with thorns. He had to fight for his place in the starting lineup amidst tough competition, and once he made his mark, he was regarded as the best by the legendary Jim Harbaugh. He went as far as to call him the, “I’ve said it before, but right here, this is the greatest quarterback in the University of Michigan—college football history. ”

Read More: Michigan’s Record-Breaking NFL Combine Attendance Puts Wolverines in Detroit Lions’ Spotlight With 7 Picks in the 2024 Draft

Such high praises are backed by his stats, where with an astounding 87.3% completion rate, he’s completed 48 out of 55 passing attempts, amassing 558 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions across two games. Compared to other QB draft prospects, he faired strongly at first-half passing attempts, excluding screens where he made 199 attempts compared to Drake Maye’s 194, Jayden Daniels’ 184, and Caleb Williams’ 167. Do you think he can have a brighter future than his competitors? Let us know in the comments below.

Read Also: ‘Patrick Mahomes Type’ J.J. McCarthy Earns Massive Praise Amid Patriots’ Meeting