J.J. McCarthy, known for his innate passing abilities since his high school days, has elevated his game to new heights this season. Transitioning from a promising talent to a bona fide quarterback, McCarthy’s evolution is evident.

In the current season, McCarthy’s performance speaks volumes. With an astounding 87.3% completion rate, he’s completed 48 out of 55 passing attempts, amassing 558 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions across two games. However, when it comes to passing attempts, his numbers have taken a hit due to the gameplay chalked out by former Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh. 

J.J. McCarthy’s passing attempts lowered by Michigan’s dominance 

Even though former head coach Jim Harbaugh believed, “I think he’s truly the best college Michigan quarterback that we’ve ever seen,” he did not play the young quarterback in the fourth quarter, which took a toll on his college statistics. JJ McCarthy’s limited passing attempts in the 2023 season were a result of Michigan’s remarkable dominance on the field. Comparing his first-half passing attempts to other 2024 draft quarterbacks, McCarthy led the pack with 199 attempts, excluding screens. However, his involvement in second halves diminished due to Michigan consistently holding significant leads. In fact, in 11 of their games, Michigan had a lead of 21 points or more, leading to McCarthy not even playing in seven fourth quarters. McCarthy has attempted just four passes in the fourth quarter, completing all of them for a total of 46 yards. 

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The Wolverines’ comfortable victories have often led to McCarthy not needing to play full four-quarter games. Michigan’s offensive approach prioritizes ball control and tempo management over accumulating big passing numbers. Despite fewer opportunities, McCarthy ranks among the top 5-10 in various efficiency metrics. While his stats may not always stand out, he excels in crucial moments, such as executing game-winning drives or leading comebacks when needed. With the 2024 NFL draft inching closer both NFL fans and analysts are toying with a very difficult question- given the competition building up, will McCarthy remain a first-round draft pick? 

Will J.J. McCarthy become a first-round draft pick in 2024?

As the 2024 NFL Draft draws near, J.J. McCarthy emerges as a highly sought-after prospect, with mock drafts projecting him as potentially going as high as the third overall pick. Among the teams eyeing the promising quarterback are the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons. Questions loom over whether McCarthy will be thrust into a starting role immediately or undergo a period of development behind a seasoned veteran in his rookie season. However, amidst a competitive draft class that includes standout players like projected No.1 pick Caleb Williams, McCarthy’s potential to secure a first-round selection sparks lively discussions among NFL fans.

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Adding to the intrigue is the speculation surrounding McCarthy’s rapid rise in draft boards. The Broncos head coach Sean Payton, holding the 12th pick, is reportedly intrigued by the talents of the Michigan quarterback. Analyst Paul Allen suggests that Payton is particularly drawn to McCarthy’s background in a pro-style offense and his strong arm. With the Broncos potentially in the market for a new quarterback following Russell Wilson’s benching, Payton sees an opportunity to mold McCarthy’s skills to align with the team’s vision. Although McCarthy may not carry the same level of hype as top prospects like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, there is a palpable buzz surrounding his potential in the NFL. Former quarterback Brady Quinn even predicts that McCarthy could defy expectations and secure a spot among the top 10 picks when the draft day arrives.