Michigan football quarterback garnering serious NFL Draft hype

Heading into the 2023 college football season, Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy — a junior — has some high expectations. Analysts like Reece Davis have McCarthy as the deciding factor for the Wolverines this year, and after winning two straight Big Ten Championship games and more, that likely means that the Maize and Blue are expected to contend for the national title in a few months. On top of that, ESPN’s latest mock NFL Draft for 2024 has McCarthy among the top 25 picks (first round), further adding to the hype for the Wolverines’ former five-star sensation.

More serious NFL Draft hype for Michigan football quarterback

Last year, Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy threw for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns (with just five interceptions) during his first year as the Wolverines’ full-time starter. It’s also worth noting that McCarthy was not named the starter until Week 2 of the season.

This fall, expectations are higher, and fall camp reports show that JJ continues to improve as practice drags on. In eight days, we will get our first look at McCarthy and the Michigan football offense, though ESPN is high on the Wolverines’ junior quarterback before the season even starts.

Per ESPN’s latest mock-up for the 2024 NFL Draft, JJ McCarthy is the No. 21 pick, going in the first round to the Minnesota Vikings.

“The upcoming free agency of quarterback Kirk Cousins — who is turning 36 next summer — will force the Vikings into a hard decision early in the 2024 offseason,” wrote Matt Miller of ESPN. “McCarthy showcased excellent dual-threat ability in 2022, throwing for 22 touchdowns to five interceptions and adding five more scores on the ground. The 6-3, 202-pound passer is a play-action master and excels on rollouts and moving pockets. That’d fit with Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell just fine, and McCarthy would benefit from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver.”

JJ McCarthy continues to turn heads

Even McCarthy’s teammates are high on his ability as a quarterback. According to junior tight end Max Bredeson, who recently addressed the media, Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy has been throwing “A lot of really good stuff. He’s really just taking control. He’s a guy you just want to follow to battle. I don’t know how to explain it, but, when he’s in the huddle, you just feel confident in him. You feel like someone is gonna make a play,” he concluded.

While Michigan football did not name JJ McCarthy a captain this year, he is still bound to play a massive role for the Wolverines, both as a leader and as a play-maker.

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