Will he stay or will he go? That’s the big question facing J.J. McCarthy and Michigan football.
The talented signal-caller has had a solid year thus far, though the Wolverines haven’t exactly showcased his arm talent in the bigger games late in the season. Still, if McCarthy shows out in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, certainly that could improve his draft stock.
However, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller, it’s already quite high. (subscription required)
Miller released his latest NFL mock draft and he has the Michigan football junior going not only in the first round, but also in the top 10.
7. Las Vegas Raiders (5-8)
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Could the Raiders roll with Aidan O’Connell in 2024? Sure, but all signs right now point to them starting over at quarterback with a new regime in place, even after signing Jimmy Garoppolo in the 2023 offseason. McCarthy is instinctive, efficient and effective as a second-effort creator outside of the pocket. The Michigan scheme does him no favors in terms of statistics, but NFL scouts continue to tell me McCarthy will be drafted earlier than expected.
With Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Quinn Ewers (Texas) expected to return to college for the 2024 season, McCarthy is the lone first-round-caliber passer remaining on my board. And if things play out this way, this would be the quickest that four QBs have come off the board in the common draft era (since 1967), per ESPN Stats & Information.
McCarthy has been very accurate, poised, and has shown great arm strength this year. While he hasn’t made a ton of big plays downfield, he’s shown off something of a ‘wow’ factor with touchdown passes in both the Michigan State and Ohio State games.
Still, McCarthy has another year of eligibility remaining and has yet to tip his hand as to where he’s leaning. Could the allure of playing his senior season and being a potential team captain get the former five-star to return to Ann Arbor for another year? It’s a tall ask, but not one that’s outside of the realm of possibility.