J.J. McCarthy has an opportunity for success at the combine with elite quarterbacks not throwing.
This might be a pivotal weekend for J.J. McCarthy’s draft prospects.
The NFL Scouting Combine begins this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and 18 Michigan players will take part. And the spotlight will shine the brightest on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who appears to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.
McCarthy will throw at the combine, while other top quarterbacks will not. Caleb Williams of USC is not, nor are Jayden Daniels of LSU or Drake Maye of North Carolina. Some believe that these quarterbacks are ahead of McCarthy in the draft rankings, although this is far from certain. McCarthy’s value might jump if he performs well in both workouts and interviews at the combine.
Caleb Williams is a virtual cinch to be picked first overall by the Chicago Bears; Williams’ decision not to throw at the combine is understandable given his final destination. However, quarterbacks like as Maye and Daniels may see McCarthy rise above them in draft rankings if he impresses evaluators at the combine while they are idle. Furthermore, it’s sad to see a trend of great quarterbacks not throwing – what’s the point of competing against your peers? McCarthy is the type of person who enjoys playing video games.
McCarthy’s stats aren’t as showy because he played in a balanced and occasionally run-heavy offense, but he won more games than Maye and Daniels combined. A national championship, a 27-1 record as a starter, a career completion % of 68 for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, as well as 632 running yards and 10 touchdowns. The arm strength is there, as is the leadership and football knowledge.
Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh used to refer to McCarthy as “like a kid in a candy shop” because of his exuberance, and that pattern will continue on Saturday afternoon as McCarthy throws the pigskin about at the combine.
