In a new mock draft, the Patriots trade and choose ‘Efficient’ McCarthy

The last time the New England Patriots drafted a quarterback from Michigan, it proved to be the best selection they had ever made.

Tom Brady went on to become the greatest quarterback of all time, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories during a nearly 20-year span.

Just five years after his departure, CBS Sports’ latest mock draft shows the Patriots returning to the Michigan pipeline with the selection of J.J. McCarthy. Instead of waiting until the sixth round, the mock draft has the Patriots dealing their No. 3 pick to the Atlanta Falcons in return for the No. 8 pick. “J.J. McCarthy was an efficient conductor for Michigan’s run-first offense the last two seasons, throwing 44 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, …”

CBS Sports writes. “McCarthy was skilled at executing the offense that his coaches asked him to run while also demonstrating athleticism as a runner and thrower on the run. He possesses the velocity to make tight window throws and is willing to take anything the defense gives him.”

McCarthy’s 27-1 record as a starter, combined with 44 career touchdowns and only nine interceptions, is enough to sell any fan on the Michigan product. However, football is more than simply numbers on paper.

Despite guiding the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season last year, there are still many worries about how he can adapt to the NFL level. While he clearly possesses the characteristics of anMcCarthy played in a hard-nosed offense led by current Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh that relied on a run game to dominate opponents at the line of scrimmage. This is why the 21-year-old is a name to keep an eye on at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, where, although three of his fellow quarterback prospects will not be participating in on-field exercises, McCarthy will get the opportunity to showcase his arm in front of league scouts.

Given McCarthy’s lack of a large sample size to determine if he can consistently make tight window throws or process the necessary information at a high level to play the position, his decision is more risky for the Patriots.

As they learned with Mac Jones over the last three years, failing to draft a first-round quarterback can set a club back, making this year’s pick even more essential. By the way, what about the “miss” on Mac? Yes, something needs to be done with Jones somewhere in this equation, since the Pats’ decision is clearly a move forward.

If the Patriots are comfortable with McCarthy, trading back five positions for a slew of draft picks makes sense in an offseason when a reconstruction appears to be underway. Not only would the Patriots select their potential franchise quarterback, but they would also acquire several additional picks to help create a roster around him.