2024 NFL Draft: JJ McCarthy vs. Drake Maye 3rd QB Pick War Emerges as the Hot Topic

The upcoming NFL draft is getting exciting. After a brilliant performance at the collegiate level, talents like Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy will find new homes. Although the choice is left with the teams, predicting the sequence of picks is a game that experts often enjoy during these drafts. One of the most heated debates for this year is the emerging battle between JJ McCarthy and Drake Maye.

Both QBs impressed with their performance at the collegiate level. While McCarthy has led the Wolverines to multiple Big Ten Conference titles, Drake Maye was awarded 2022 ACC Player of the Year. So, why is there a battle emerging so close to the NFL draft date?

JJ McCarthy vs. Drake Maye

Dynasty Football Fantasy took to X on March 23rd to tweet a question for fans, “Would you rather? Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy” This tweet was followed by another tweet on the same topic by Savage Sports, “Just wait one week and the national media is gonna start projecting JJ McCarthy over Drake Maye at 3. There’s a narrative at work here, gentlemen.” 

It looks like JJ McCarthy is slowly overtaking Drake Maye in the list of top QBs in the upcoming draft. Although many consider USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the top two QBs, there is a hot debate now for the third spot. While Drake Maye was considered the third-best pick for the position, it seems that McCarthy is slowly catching up.

Read more: After Michigan Pro Day Brilliance, J.J. McCarthy Branded Perfect Back up for Patriots if Jayden Daniels Plan Fails

Earlier ESPN’s NFL analyst Mel Kiper revealed how McCarthy’s performance at the NFL Combine has helped elevate McCarthy’s case against Drake Maye. He said, “Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy is a battle,” at the NFL draft podcast. He further added, “Bottom line is J.J. McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye [in the Draft],” Interestingly, the top three QBs including Drake Maye skipped the NFL Combine when McCarthy performed. So, will it affect Drake Maye? If yes, then how?

How will a change in pick sequence affect Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy?

The upcoming NFL draft is filled up with talented QBs on the list. From Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, the top spot includes stiff competition with the inclusion of Drake Maye. Many sources and experts have ranked these three QBs in their top 10 list of players for the upcoming draft. Meanwhile, the next spot is almost 10 rungs later where they have slated JJ McCarthy as the list is filled with other talented stars.

While Caleb Williams is expected to go to the Chicago Bears, the Commanders, and the Patriots have the second and the third picks respectively. So, if they make a move for Drake Maye, JJ McCarthy would most probably end up with either the Vikings or Denver Broncos who are also looking for a QB. But Drake Maye doesn’t have to worry much as most reliable publications have touted him among the top 5 picks.

Read more: With Jim Harbaugh in Attendance, J.J. McCarthy Stuns NFL Expert With Flawless Performance at Michigan Pro Day