2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: J.J McCarthy

Last Updated: 3/10/2024

J.J. McCarthy is one of the most polarizing players in this draft class. In two full seasons as the Michigan starter, he produced back-to-back 2,700+ passing yard seasons and threw 22 touchdowns each season. He added a modest 632 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his career. However, never taking over the game as a passer has many questioning if he can do it when called upon. 

McCarthy is a toolsy quarterback who offers prototypical height at 6-foot-3 but has a slender frame. Playing in a pro-style offense for the last three years is a positive note. Adding in his comfortability running RPOs and play action, and he should transition to the NFL easier than most. As a passer, he is accurate more times than not, especially off play-action where the ball comes out quickly. When he misses, it tends to stem from his footwork and the processing facets of the game. At times, we see him double pump or be late on his throw, leading to poorly placed balls (mostly behind), incompletions or turnovers. A lot of this is due to a lack of reps as a passer and can be improved over time with more reps at the next level. He is best when attacking the short-to-intermediate areas of the field between the numbers where his velocity and accuracy shine. But he struggles to drive the ball into the deep outer thirds of the field. At times he shows aggressiveness when throwing, but more times than not he is fine taking what the defense gives him.

Inside the pocket, McCarthy shows an ability to read different defenses but has a tendency to lock onto his first read instead of going through progressions. He has a good feel for the pressure and the agility to make defenders miss. He climbs the pocket well and doesn’t panic often under pressure. When needed, he has the ability to extend plays with his legs, but always looks to push the ball down the field. When he lets it rip in these situations, we have seen flashes of immense upside with good accuracy and power. If he can’t find an open receiver, he will use his legs to pick up what he can. 

• Accuracy 
• Athleticism 
• Poise 

• Late throws 
• Processing 
• Limited passing reps 

• All-Big Ten Third-Team selection (2022) 

• 40-yard dash: TBD
• Vertical: TBD
• Broad Jump: TBD
• Three-cone: TBD
• Shuttle: TBD
• Bench: TBD

• Starting quarterback

As a player needing to refine his skills, McCarthy may not step in on day one and produce high-end fantasy numbers, but the ceiling is within reach. He is likely going to be sheltered early on in his career to help hide the inconsistencies, but this will still give us solid fantasy production – think Derek Carr or Jared Goff. It is unlikely there is any rushing upside to his game at the next level which will hurt his floor to some extent. With a wide range of outcomes in McCarthy’s future, it makes him a risky rookie pick this year.