While it's unlikely he will be selected No. 1 overall, perhaps no incoming quarterback has been more talked about throughout the draft process than J.J. McCarthy. The starting quarterback for the reigning College Football Playoff national champion Michigan Wolverines is headed to the NFL and could be taken earlier than expected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Speaking with team executives at the NFL's annual league meeting, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media He said the most popular answer as to where the No. 2 overall pick goes to the Washington Commanders is McCarthy. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh was McCarthy's biggest megaphone, proclaiming him: Best quarterback in this draft And he claimed he had the best pro day he's ever seen as a quarterback.
The former four-star recruit compiled a 27-1 record as a starter at Michigan, which ranks third among quarterbacks in FBS history. McCarthy totaled 49 touchdowns in 40 games, but only 11 interceptions. The Wolverines were the best team in college football last year, but the offense didn't completely penetrate McCarthy. His 2,991 passing yards ranked 35th in the nation and he attempted just 18 passes in the championship win against Washington. He didn't have the flashy stats of Michael Penix Jr., but he was solid when called upon.
Let's take a look at the top five possible landing spots for McCarthy.These are not necessarily the most common probably There are landing spots, but it's the best “fit” for the former Michigan quarterback.
McCarthy won't be an immediate starter in Atlanta, but he's only 21 years old and could learn a lot from Kirk Cousins. It's the beginning of a new era for Atlanta, with Zach Robinson, a protégé of Sean McVay, taking over the offensive line. With weapons like Bejan Robinson, Drake Rondon, and Kyle Pitts ready to take the next step, there is reason to be optimistic. McCarthy will benefit from the Falcons' top-10 rushing offense, and Tyler Allgaier and Bijan will be his new “break column.” McCarthy won't start for a few seasons, leaving the Falcons in fifth place, but Atlanta is a good landing spot for the young quarterback.
Who wouldn't want to be the face of a new NFL team in Las Vegas? With the hiring of Antonio Pierce, the Raiders may finally be on the right track. The offense lost Josh Jacobs, but still has a reliable playmaker in Davante Adams. I would like to take a look at the appointment of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in the future.
Remaining in the AFC West won't be easy, but Pierce switched defenses midseason and then added defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in free agency. The former Dolphin should add a pass-rushing element to the middle, as well as free up space for Maxx Crosby and Tyree Wilson off the edge. It would be exciting to have the opportunity to compete against Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew for the QB spot in Sin City.
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Are the Giants looking for a new quarterback? There are a few different factors when it comes to this question. The franchise still has faith in Daniel Jones, but so does owner John Mara. Nothing will stop GM Joe Schon from acquiring a quarterback.. If the Giants fall in love with McCarthy, there's a very good chance he ends up in New York.
Brian Daboll won NFL Coach of the Year in 2022, but 2023 was a disaster. You can blame the injuries on the offensive line, but Tyrod Taylor has been competitive and Tommy DeVito has had his moment in the sun. There are definitely questions about the quarterback position in New York, and McCarthy could be the answer.
The Vikings are in the market for a quarterback after Cousins signed with Atlanta. Minnesota acquired Sam Darnold, but also traded them to the Houston Texans for a second first-round pick. Perhaps ammunition for another attack will replace the signal-caller and the board?
The Vikings are an attractive landing spot for a young quarterback. Play indoors as offensive-minded former quarterback Kevin O'Connell develops a game plan for you. Additionally, they can get Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson to throw the ball for them. It's a favorable situation for a talented quarterback.
The Broncos are looking for a new quarterback following the debacle of Russell Wilson, and McCarthy could be that player. He would benefit from pairing up with Sean Payton, and he could benefit from playing with Javonte Williams and Courtland Sutton. Then, in the second half of the 2023 season, Vance Joseph's defense showed that it alone could spark a winning streak. This is a fan base that's itching to be competitive again, and a fan base that needs a cheap quarterback. Who wouldn't want the chance to be a playoff contender again?
