JJ McCarthy, the quarterback for the University of Michigan, is a topic of debate in the 2024 NFL Draft scene. Despite not operating in a high-octane offense, the 21-year-old has caught the eye of many analysts and scouts who see his potential to excel at the next level.
While Michigan’s focus on the running game and defense may have limited McCarthy’s spotlight, there’s a growing belief that he possesses the necessary tools for success in the NFL. With quarterbacks becoming increasingly prized assets in football, teams are more willing to invest early draft picks in them, which could work in McCarthy’s favor.
Will JJ McCarthy become a first-round draft pick in 2024?
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During his freshman year, JJ McCarthy made appearances in 11 games as a backup, showcasing his skills with 516 passing yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. His role expanded over the next two seasons, where he started in 28 games, amassing an impressive 27-1 record. With each passing year, McCarthy’s performance improved significantly. His completion percentage soared from 57.6% as a freshman to an impressive 72.3% by his junior year. Alongside his passing prowess, he also contributed eight rushing touchdowns. McCarthy’s college career reached its peak with a notable victory over Nick Saban’s Alabama team and a triumph in the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023.
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However, his lone college loss came in the College Football Playoff Semifinals against TCU in 2022. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, McCarthy is viewed as a top prospect, with mock drafts projecting him as high as the third overall pick. Potential destinations for the young quarterback include the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. Given his youth and potential, there’s speculation about whether JJ McCarthy will be thrown into the starting role immediately or spend time developing behind a seasoned veteran in his rookie season. However, with numerous sought after players declaring for the 2024 draft, including the projected No.1 draft pick Caleb Williams, many have wondered if McCarthy will remain a frost-round contender. NFL fans recently shared their perspective on the same.
NFL fans have got McCarthy’s back
Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy played a key role in the team’s recent national championship victory. While he may lack extensive experience as a passer, McCarthy’s physical talents and ability to perform under pressure make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. Despite concerns about his passing nuance, there’s speculation that he could be drafted in the first round, with teams like the Denver Broncos showing interest amidst their quarterback uncertainties. NFL fans seem to be convinced that the young quarterback is destined to be in the first round of draft pick. Many took to platform X to voice their opinions on a post that stated, “If JJ McCarthy falls out of the 1st round I will immediately send one person who likes and comments on this post $100.”
If JJ McCarthy falls out of the 1st round I will immediately send one person who likes and comments on this post $100. pic.twitter.com/DIhxEmOkEm
— Wolverine Chronicle (@WolverineChron) February 24, 2024
One fan sounded his support for the quarterback, saying he firmly believes that McCarthy is going to get drafted in the first round since many NFL teams are short on prospective franchise quarterbacks, “No way he’s not a first rounder. Especially with so many NFL teams hungry for a young QB with skills.”
No way he’s not a first rounder. Especially with so many NFL teams hungry for a young QB with skills.
— Nick Guzman (@DarkKnightC7R) February 24, 2024
Another one joined in on the idea, saying that there is no way that JJ McCarthy is going to fall out of the 1st round, “Not going to happen.”
Not going to happen. 💛💙
— Shannon (@stomocik) February 24, 2024
While another voices the same, “Not happening. There is no way he’s not going first round.”
The only way that happens is the NFL starts with the 2nd round
— Randy Pearce (@pearcearrow1) February 24, 2024
Someone was so confident about the idea that he suggested that the only way the young athlete was going to miss the first round was if the NFL started from the second round instead of the first, “The only way that happens is the NFL starts with the 2nd round.”
The only way that happens is the NFL starts with the 2nd round
— Randy Pearce (@pearcearrow1) February 24, 2024
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While the rest remained hopeful at the least, that he can make it as a first-round pick instead of slipping into the second, “Probably won’t.”
Probably won’t
— Brad G (@bradGoBlue85) February 24, 2024
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With the NFL Draft just around the corner, McCarthy’s future in professional football remains a topic of significant speculation and anticipation.