Is Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft? Here’s everything you need to know about McCarthy’s draft status as he closes in on ascending to the professional ranks.
Is Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy Eligible for the NFL Draft?
As a true junior, McCarthy is eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Collegiate players must be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for the NFL Draft. McCarthy joined the Wolverines in 2021, and 2023 marks his third year at the collegiate level.
In 2023, McCarthy led Michigan to a Big Ten title and an appearance in the CFB National Championship against Washington, completing 230 of 314 pass attempts (73.2%) for 2,851 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
J.J. McCarthy’s 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Since the start of the 2024 NFL Draft cycle, McCarthy has been viewed as a potential QB3 candidate behind North Carolina’s Drake Maye and USC’s Caleb Williams. He’s currently QB5 in our 2024 QB rankings.
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LSU’s Jayden Daniels likely secured the QB3 mantle after his Heisman-winning 2023 campaign, but McCarthy could still be in the mix as a potential first-round passer. McCarthy, who turns 21 years old later this month, had these strengths and weaknesses heading into the year.
Strengths
- Has the whip-like velocity to fit throws past extremely tight coverage at all ranges.
- Can throw high-velocity ropes with little strain and has a crisp, right-angle release.
- Uses sidearm and obtuse underhand releases to protect throwing windows from threats.
- Superb athlete and creator with high-level speed, agility, and evasive explosiveness.
- Has the ankle flexion to bend and accelerate out of would-be sacks, evading the pocket.
- Adaptable and on his toes in the pocket and isn’t often caught with flat feet by the rush.
- Can use short-area agility, flexibility, and burst to snake through tiny pocket creases.
- Generally has good areal accuracy, routinely giving his receivers a chance to make plays.
- Can beautifully layer velocity and touch on seam throws to hit receivers in stride.
- Able to lead WRs low on tight intermediate crossers to negate looming contact threats.
- Relatively mechanically sound QB at his age, with good hip rotation and level shoulders.
- Has shown he can look off safeties and then take what’s given in the short range.
- Able to work high to low on progressions, peel off vertical routes, and trigger on reads.
- Can quickly process velocity and leverage mismatches in the deep third, triggering early.
- Has good baseline competitive toughness as a runner and is willing to finish forward.
Weaknesses
- Frame is noticeably lean, which contributes to a lack of play strength amidst contact.
- Lack of pocket poise and resolve can cause frequent operational erosion.
- Pressure threats can cause him to drop his eyes, hesitate, and pause mid-release.
- Sometimes inexplicably drifts into pressure and can be more disciplined with positioning.
- Will sometimes predetermine throws and force passes against tight coverage.
- Field vision is inconsistent, as he sometimes fails to see looming LBs on short passes.
- At times, forces ill-advised throws in collapsing situations when he should throw it away.
- Can be more consistent using controlled shoulder tilt and layering to add loft on throws.
- Situational precision, while good, can be more consistent over the middle of the field.
- Sometimes plays too fast and rushes his process, eroding at mechanical synergy.
- Can be a bit uncontrolled and frantic at the top of his drop, affecting base width.
- Sometimes wrenches his shoulder up on release, sailing deep passes as a result.
Earlier in the 2023 season, McCarthy showcased bright flashes of growth with his pocket management, anticipation, and poise against pressure. But lapses in precision and decision-making still show up at times.
Nevertheless, McCarthy helped lead his team to a playoff victory over Alabama.
If he outduels Michael Penix Jr. and the three-headed WR tandem of Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, he’ll have a compelling case to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.