Several teams are not ‘totally sold’ on the famous J.J. McCarthy NFL analogy, and they question his ceiling

admin | March 23, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

J.J. McCarthy, the Michigan Wolverines quarterback, has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the months running up to the 2024 NFL draft.

The reigning college football national champion, formerly seen as a fringe top-25 player, is now expected to be drafted in the top five. However, not everyone believes the buzz surrounding him.

McCarthy struggled with inconsistency during passing drills at the NFL Combine, missing out on a huge opportunity because Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels did not participate. McCarthy’s performance at Michigan’s Pro Day this week, combined with private interviews, has established him as a possible top choice.

J.J. McCarthy stats (2023):: 167.4 QB rating, 2,991 passing yards, 22-4 TD-INT, 9.0 ypa

While he isn’t regarded as one of the class’s most physically talented passers, McCarthy’s mix of arm skill, intelligence, leadership, and above-average athleticism has earned him a place among coaches. He possesses various characteristics that make him a perfect match in specific offenses, which is why he has been heavily linked to the Minnesota Vikings.

Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan have influenced the Vikings’ system, which is led by Kevin O’Connell. Minnesota’s style prioritizes quick-thinking quarterbacks who stick to the play structure, make rapid reads, and allow their skill players to produce explosive plays. It’s why Kirk Cousins succeeded in Minnesota, and why McCarthy has been compared to the Pro Bowl quarterback.

J.J. McCarthy career stats: 160.5 QB rating, 6,226 passing yards, 67.6 percent completion rate, 8.7 yards per attempt 49-11 TD-INT in 40 games

However, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed on Saturday’s SportsCenter that not everyone in the league agrees with McCarthy’s frequent comparisons to the four-time Pro Bowl pick, and many doubt whether his ceiling is that high.

“So, teams aren’t completely sold on McCarthy depending on the team, but I’ve talked to enough scouts who say he’s got high-level ability even though he was asked to be a game manager at Michigan, he has all of the traits to succeed. I’ve heard him compared to from a few scouts as like a stronger, bigger Kirk Cousins. So, if you’re Minnesota, do you want that on a cheaper rookie contract than what you had to pay Kirk Cousins in the past?”“

While some NFL teams may not appreciate McCarthy’s fit in their system or the comparison to Cousins, his interest from teams such as the Vikings, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos demonstrates the qualities he brings to the table. Highly renowned offensive thinkers seek a quarterback with a high football IQ, who excels in play action and adheres to the scheme.

That is in large part why Cousins is such a good match in O’Connell’s system, and why the Vikings are largely expected to want to trade up for him. It may not be the ideal NFL analogy, but it does highlight McCarthy’s talents, which can be emphasized in a Shanahan or McVay-style approach.