Although he may not be selected as the top overall pick in the draft, J.J. McCarthy has garnered significant attention throughout the draft process. As the starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, who are the reigning College Football Playoff national champions, McCarthy’s NFL prospects have generated much discussion. According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, team executives at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting have indicated that McCarthy is a popular choice for the Washington Commanders with the second overall pick. Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy’s former head coach, has been his vocal supporter, declaring him the best quarterback in this draft and praising his exceptional pro day performance.
During his time at Michigan, McCarthy achieved an impressive 27-1 record as a starter, ranking third among all quarterbacks in FBS history. In 40 games, he threw 49 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions. While the Wolverines were the top team in college football, McCarthy’s individual statistics were not as eye-catching. His passing yards of 2,991 placed him 35th in the country, and he attempted just 18 passes in the championship win over Washington. However, McCarthy demonstrated his ability to perform in clutch situations when called upon.
Now, let’s explore the five potential landing spots that would suit McCarthy’s skills the best. These are not necessarily the most likely destinations, but rather the ones that would provide the optimal fit for the former Michigan quarterback.
5. Atlanta Falcons:
Although McCarthy would not immediately start in Atlanta, the 21-year-old quarterback could benefit from learning under Kirk Cousins. With the arrival of Zac Robinson, an offensive disciple of Sean McVay, the Falcons are entering a new era on the offensive side of the ball. The presence of talented weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, along with the Falcons’ strong rushing offense, would provide an encouraging environment for McCarthy’s development.
4. Las Vegas Raiders:
Being the face of the rebranded NFL team in Las Vegas could be an attractive prospect for McCarthy. With the addition of Antonio Pierce to the coaching staff, the Raiders might be on the right track. Despite the departure of Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams remains a reliable playmaker. The hiring of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy adds another variable to consider.
3. New York Giants:
The Giants are a potential destination if they are considering a new quarterback. Although the franchise still has confidence in Daniel Jones, owner John Mara has expressed openness to selecting a quarterback if the general manager sees fit. McCarthy could be a viable option for the Giants, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position.
2. Minnesota Vikings:
After Kirk Cousins signed with the Falcons, the Vikings are in need of a quarterback. While they acquired Sam Darnold, they also made a trade with the Houston Texans to obtain a second first-round pick. This could provide them with the means to trade up and select a quarterback. The Vikings offer an appealing environment for a young quarterback, with the offensive-minded Kevin O’Connell as coach and talented receivers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
1. Denver Broncos:
With the Broncos searching for a new QB1 following the Russell Wilson situation, McCarthy could be a strong candidate. Working with Sean Payton and playing alongside Javonte Williams and Courtland Sutton would be advantageous. Additionally, Vance Joseph’s defense showcased its ability to spark winning streaks in the latter half of the 2023 season. The Broncos’ fan base is eager to regain competitiveness, and McCarthy could provide the opportunity to lead them back to the playoffs.
