Following Michigan’s triumph over Washington on January 8, capping off a perfect 15-0 championship season, quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s stock has soared in both draft boards and mock drafts.
Initially considered a fringe first-round prospect, McCarthy has now emerged as a potential top-10 pick in the upcoming draft in Detroit. However, opinions among experts regarding McCarthy remain divided.
Recent reports have linked McCarthy to the New York Giants as the potential sixth overall pick, with indications of a recent visit. Additionally, the Washington Commanders, who hold the second pick, are scheduled to dine with McCarthy before his showcase at Michigan’s pro day.
Despite this buzz, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has McCarthy falling outside the top 10 in his latest mock draft, projecting him to land with the Minnesota Vikings at No. 11.
Kiper describes McCarthy as a “wildcard” in evaluations, citing the challenge in assessing his performance due to Michigan’s reliance on a robust team rather than individual brilliance. Compared to other top quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft, McCarthy has attempted significantly fewer college passes.
Nonetheless, Kiper acknowledges McCarthy’s intriguing attributes and believes he merits a high selection. McCarthy’s performances have showcased flashes of brilliance, though they’ve also been marred by occasional critical errors.
Despite his limited passing opportunities, McCarthy has demonstrated qualities that make him an appealing prospect, including his competitiveness and intelligence. Kiper ranks McCarthy as the fourth quarterback in his latest Big Board, behind Williams, Daniels, and Maye.
On draft night, the Giants face a compelling decision regarding McCarthy’s potential. While they already have Daniel Jones under contract, selecting McCarthy could offer a promising future and insurance for the team.
Ultimately, McCarthy’s draft position remains uncertain, with some suggesting he could even surpass Maye in rankings.