There appears to be growing speculation that Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy could be garnering more attention from NFL teams than initially anticipated.
During an interview on “The Matt Barrie Show,” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller revealed that scouts and executives are showing significant interest in McCarthy. Miller went on to mention that one scout even suggested McCarthy could draw comparisons to Joe Burrow if Michigan’s offensive strategy had required more passing.
“JJ McCarthy possesses all the necessary tools, which are just waiting to be fully showcased,” Miller commented. “I’ve spoken with numerous scouts, one of whom went as far as saying that JJ McCarthy could emulate Joe Burrow if he played in a more pass-oriented system. There’s considerable admiration for McCarthy within the scouting community. He’s exceptionally tough, possesses a strong arm, displays impressive athleticism, and is highly coachable. These qualities are consistently highlighted.”
Michigan’s reliance on a power running game in 2023 meant McCarthy wasn’t heavily relied upon for passing duties. Despite this, he managed to throw for 22 touchdown passes and accumulate 2,991 yards, albeit with a relatively modest 332 attempts. Nevertheless, McCarthy entered college as a highly-regarded recruit, showcasing undeniable physical abilities.
While McCarthy’s college coach made a bold prediction about his NFL Draft prospects, it might not be as exaggerated as initially perceived, given the increasing interest from NFL circles.
