2024 NFL Draft: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Breakdown
“I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft.” That’s what Jim Harbaugh had to say about J.J. McCarthy.
Now, you’d be a fool to think that Harbaugh would ever publicly utter a bad word about his former quarterback. You also have to consider that McCarthy being in play in the first 4 picks of this year’s draft helps Harbaugh’s Chargers, who pick 5th and don’t need a quarterback.
So his statement should be taken with a grain of salt.
But there is some truth to what he said in the sense that J.J. McCarthy understands how to play the position. And he did so at a high level while leading Michigan to the National Championship last season.
On the other hand, his physical talent isn’t overwhelming. In fact, on talent alone, he shouldn’t be drafted anywhere near the top of the first round.
Ultimately, it comes down to what each team is looking for from their quarterback. Do they want a physical talent who can add value with his arm or his legs when the play doesn’t work as designed? Or do they want a quarterback who can execute the offensive system flawlessly?
Regardless of preference, the bottom line is that McCarthy has many of the traits needed to become a successful quarterback in the NFL. But he will need time to develop as well as help around him.