As we get ready to watch the national championship game between Michigan and Washington, it’s a good time to ask: Are we watching a first round quarterback playing in that game?
No, we’re not talking only about Michael Penix Jr. This time, it’s about J.J. McCarthy, who some have seen as a top QB in this class. He wasn’t featured in our first NFL mock draft from Christian D’Andrea, but he was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders in the latest NFL mock from USA TODAY Sports at pick No. 13. So maybe that could happen!
Here’s the reasoning from Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:
A good bit of faith is required in this projection, as McCarthy is hardly a finished product as a potential early first-round prospect – and he hasn’t even declared his intentions for next year yet. But his athleticism and arm strength will position him to be selected far earlier than some might expect based off his production. After the failed Jimmy Garoppolo move, it’s time for the Raiders to make a substantial investment in a young quarterback to develop for the long term.
Check out Christian D’Andrea’s latest NFL mock draft now that we have the first 18 picks of the NFL Draft order locked in.