The manner J.J. McCarthy performed at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine seems to have significantly increased his draft stock. Front offices have higher expectations for the former Michigan quarterback than “a lot of people on the outside think,” according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. He may be selected among the top 10 picks in the draft.
The 21-year-old took part in throwing drills at the combine even though he didn’t run or jump. Even though he had a poor start, by the end of the day he was able to demonstrate his arm strength and connect on a couple stunning deep throws.
.@jjmccarthy09 airing it out
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1B6NSNT3N4— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2024
In addition, it seemed as though he gained weight as he went from being listed at 202 pounds during his final season with the Wolverines to just over 6’2″ and 219 pounds.
McCarthy appears to have impressed a number of teams because, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday, there’s a “pretty good chance” he’ll be taken as the fourth quarterback.
From our combine coverage: A look at a few prospects who raised their stock during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. pic.twitter.com/zmAqpIfQcV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2024
In the most recent NFL Scouting Department mock draft conducted by Bleacher Report, he almost missed the first ten pick and was selected with the No. 12 pick by the Denver Broncos. In addition, McCarthy was the fourth quarterback off the board, trailing only Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, and Jayden Daniels of LSU.