In only about a week, the NFL Draft will commence, and this year’s edition could yield the most impressive collection of talent in decades.
With at least three top-notch quarterback prospects, it has been compared to the 1983 draft, which gave the league John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly.
One prospect many have been talking about is J.J. McCarthy, and he has moved up many people’s boards and mock drafts over the last month or so.
Former NFL signal-caller Dan Orlovsky compared him to Kirk Cousins and clapped back at those who claim he lacks physical talent.
Highly athletic Kirk Cousins (has to develop more touch)
But he’s very physically talented https://t.co/aeADZGhQnK
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 17, 2024
The knock on McCarthy is not only that he lacks high-level athleticism, but that his stats at the University of Michigan were rather pedestrian for a top QB prospect.
He threw for a mere 2,991 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season, but he did lead the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where they defeated Michael Penix Jr. and the University of Washington.
It’s important to remember that under then-head coach Jim Harbuagh, the Wolverines ran the football a lot, and that type of offensive style will suppress any quarterback’s numbers.
But McCarthy completed an outstanding 72.3 percent of his pass attempts in 2023, which is one indicator of his ability.
Ironically, one team that reportedly has lots of interest in McCarthy is the Minnesota Vikings, who just lost Cousins in free agency.
They have a trio of excellent skill players in wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, and adding a capable quarterback to that mix could result in a return to the playoffs this winter.
The Vikings currently have the No. 11 pick, and rumor has it they may trade up in order to nab McCarthy.
NEXT:
Video Shows Rashee Rice Back On Practice Field