Greg Gabriel provides insights into his observations of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
The 2023 NFL Draft is considered a quarterback-focused event, featuring standout prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Among them, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy is often overlooked despite his potential to outshine many of his counterparts.
Hailing from the Chicago area, McCarthy grew up in La Grange Park and attended Nazareth Academy before finishing high school at Florida IMG Academy. At Michigan, he served as a backup in 2021 before starting 28 games in 2022 and 2023, leading his team to the College Football Playoff in ’22 and the National Championship in 2023.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 202 pounds, McCarthy may actually be slightly shorter at around 6 feet 2.5 inches. He will need to add strength and mass to endure the demands of an NFL season. Despite this, McCarthy displays impressive athleticism, showcasing good speed for a quarterback.
While not lightning-fast, he appears capable of running in the mid-4.6 range, which is sufficient for the NFL. One of his strengths lies in his ability to evade pass rushers, extend plays with his mobility, and pose a threat to defenses with his running skills.
Michigan’s offensive style differs from many college teams, leaning towards a pro-style offense with a focus on the running game. Despite its conservative play-calling, this approach yielded success, with Michigan reaching the CFP two years in a row and completing a perfect 15-0 season in 2023. McCarthy operated within this scheme effectively, executing his duties with poise and precision.
Criticism of McCarthy’s college offense should not overshadow his individual talent. Evaluating a quarterback involves assessing their traits and potential as an NFL prospect, which McCarthy undeniably possesses.
Looking at his performance over the past two seasons, we find that he completed 446 of 654 passes, boasting a 68.5% completion rate, with 44 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. Notably, his completion rate surged to 72% in the 2023 season.
While completion percentage alone doesn’t guarantee accuracy, a closer examination reveals McCarthy’s precise ball placement, often setting up receivers for yards after the catch.
McCarthy employs a compact overhand delivery and exhibits a rapid release. His arm strength is impressive, consistently delivering tight spirals. He demonstrates the ability to progress through reads and make sound decisions, minimizing turnovers by rarely forcing throws. His adeptness in scanning the field and maintaining composure under pressure is commendable.
Equally proficient in deep passes and short throws, McCarthy adeptly adjusts his arm angle to navigate tight spaces.
Despite initial projections placing him in the second round, McCarthy’s prowess suggests a first-round selection, potentially even within the top 15 picks. His experience in a pro-style offense may give him an edge in NFL readiness over other higher-ranked quarterbacks.
Coaches at Michigan laud McCarthy’s football IQ, anticipating that he will impress NFL teams with his intelligence and understanding of quarterbacking during interviews and playbook sessions.
Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy’s college coach, recently endorsed him as the premier quarterback in the draft class. While Harbaugh’s opinion may carry bias, it aligns with sentiments across the league. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McCarthy drafted early in the first round.
