Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not considered one of the “Big 3” signal callers in this class. Those would be USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
However, McCarthy has reportedly the caught the eye of some NFL talent evaluators, leaving open for debate how high he might rise in this year’s draft.
Former Notre Dame star and NFL quarterback Brady Quinn said on CBS Sports HQ that he thinks McCarthy will soar all the way into the top 10 when all is said and done.
“To me, he’s going to end up being a top 10 pick when it’s all said and done,” said Quinn. “I think teams are going to love his ability to create and his ability to take off and run, too.”
Quinn is not alone in this projection. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah has McCarthy off the board at No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons in his most recent mock draft, while his colleague Gennaro Filice has the Minnesota Vikings trading up to No. 7 to take the Wolverines signal caller.
Meanwhile, multiple analysts have McCarthy just outside the top 10. ESPN’s Matt Miller pegs him at No. 13 to the Raiders, as does CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Vikings staying put at No. 11 and taking McCarthy, who could intrigue scouts who believe he hasn’t had the chance to tap into his full potential yet because he played for a loaded college team.
“This is a team that’s really run the football incredibly well,” Quinn said. “[McCarthy] hasn’t had to necessarily dominate games. I’ll still go back to when he’s had to do it, he’s showcased the ability to. … He’s able to layer the ball which is another thing you always hear talked about this time of year. The ability to get it over one defender, but in front of the next or inside a tight window. He showcases all of that. We just didn’t see it as much as we saw with a lot of other quarterbacks who threw the football more.”