Michigan football: J.J. McCarthy has ‘amazing’ NFL combine

The 2024 NFL draft combine was always going to be important for Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy. While other quarterbacks decided to skip the combine or skip throwing, McCarthy is a competitor and he’s opened some eyes this week.

Michigan football QB J.J. McCarthy has “amazing” NFL combine

McCarthy isn’t even able to run the 40-yard dash this week due to hamstring tightness. When he gets that chance, scouts will love him even more. With Michigan football, McCarthy flashed incredible athleticism and playmaking.

He didn’t look to run much, but I’d guess that he’s clocked in the 4.5 range. McCarthy can win from the pocket but he can also beat teams with his legs. Most importantly, McCarthy can use his legs to buy time for his arm as Michigan football fans have seen him do time and time again.

A big part of the combine for McCarthy was the measurement and he was a winner there too. At 6-foot-2, nearly 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds. So much for the idea that McCarthy isn’t that big or that he won’t hold up in the NFL. He’s similar to the other quarterback in this draft, at least among the first-round picks. He’s a stellar athlete and if you put on the tape, his arm talent is on par with anyone.

Truthfully, I think McCarthy has as much upside as any quarterback in the draft. He’s everything you want and that doesn’t even touch on the fact that he’s an incredible leader — a true field general in Blake Corum’s words.

NFL Network's Peter Schrager:

"I like that J.J.’s competing, there’s still going to be a battle for who’’s that fourth quarterback. J.J. says forget fourth quarterback, I’m the third or second quarterback off the board. A lot of guys aren’t throwing that we thought would be.…

— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) March 2, 2024

Peter Schrager of the NFL Network liked what he saw from McCarthy this week, calling his performance “amazing” while also lauding his willingness to compete. McCarthy has met with the Bears, Patriots, Raiders, Broncos, Seahawks, and Vikings so far.

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