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Michigan football quarterback pinned as a top 15 NFL Draft pick

Is Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy a top-15 NFL Draft pick?

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Michigan football, JJ McCarthy, NFL Draft
Sep 2, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes in the first half against the East Carolina Pirates at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If you think it’s too early for 2024 NFL Draft hype, think again. This week, a new 2024 mock draft was released, which pins elite Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy — who was the top-graded player in the Big Ten during Week 1 — as a top-15 pick in the coming draft.

Michigan football quarterback pinned as a top 2024 NFL Draft pick

JJ McCarthy had himself an incredible game over the weekend — he went 26 for 30, totaling 280 yards and three touchdowns with no picks. This earned him a 93.0 Pro Football Focus grade, which was the best of any Big Ten player in Week 1. After an impressive showing against East Carolina, the junior Michigan football quarterback earned a massive NFL Draft stock boost — he was once considered a potential first-rounder, though is now apparently seen as a top-15 pick in the coming draft.

According to a new 2024 NFL mock draft released by CBS Sports this week, JJ McCarthy broke the top 15, being picked at No. 14 by the Las Vegas Raiders. Here is an explanation for JJ’s rankings via Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports.

“Unless Jimmy Garoppolo lights it up enough in 2023 to earn an extension, we have to think Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler will want to handpick their long-term answer at quarterback at some point soon. McCarthy has a very live arm and plenty of athleticism to create when protection breaks down.”

JJ McCarthy and the Wolverines still in search of their top goals, including a national title

This weekend, the UNLV Rebels are coming to town for Week 2 of the season. Michigan football has full-time offensive play-caller Sherrone Moore back this weekend (he missed Week 1 due to suspension), though will still be without head coach Jim Harbaugh. On top of his new draft ranking, McCarthy also broke the top-5 in this year’s newest Heisman Trophy odds — he comes in at No. 4 right now.

As JJ McCarthy and Michigan football continue their quest for a national title this fall, watch for McCarthy to continue turning heads at the next level, perhaps becoming a bona fide first-round NFL Draft pick next spring.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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