J.J. McCarthy Film Evaluation Draws Comp to Saints’ Derek Carr

Every off-season, there is one quarterback that the media seems to trend up towards the start of the draft. This year’s guy is Michigan quarterback (QB) J.J. McCarthy.

Currently, over 45% of draft platforms are seeing this guy as a first-round projection.

Sites such as The 33rd Team, Pro Football Network, Walter Football, Bleacher Report, CBS, SBNation, Sporting News, Draftwire, Fox Sports, Pro Football Focus, Yahoo Sports, and The Athletic all have McCarthy stamped with a first-round grade.

Before we get into my grade, and the reasoning behind my projection, first a little background, my initial concern, and some insight about McCarthy from Michigan head coach, Jim Harbaugh.

McCarthy was a 4-star recruit by both ESPN and 247Sports.

While McCarthy’s football IQ is promising, I have a concern about him reading complex defensive schemes and disguises. This is labeled as a 🚩red flag due to the complexity of NFL defenses.

2023 Review:

(Pending the playoff) McCarthy has been a solid game manager all year for the Wolverines. Led his team through adversity while delivering an eye-popping 74.2% completion percentage. He has yet to hit that 3,000-yard mark in his college career, currently sitting at 2,630 yards. However, McCarthy has the chance to rise on draft boards pending his play in the college football semi-final and potential national championship. Will he deliver this post-season? That will be a key if he can stay poised.

Overview: J.J. McCarthy

6-foot-3, 202 pounds

40 Time: 4.60 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2022 stats: 208/322 (64.6%) 2,719 yards (8.4 avg) 22 TDs & 5 INTs

Level of Competition: Medium

Colton Edwards Grade: Second-Round

2022 Film Evaluated: Iowa, Ohio State and Penn State

2023 Film Evaluated: Rutgers and Penn State

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Arm talent showcases the potential NFL teams strive for. The way the ball comes out with a quick zip through tight spaces on all levels of the field is reminiscent of his clutch throws during the Ohio State game. Good flexibility in the shoulders that allows him to switch arm angles if needed. Demonstrates good timing on routes with his receivers, displaying good anticipation and soundness in his mechanics. Underrated agility in the pocket which he displayed multiple times in his career. This was evident during the TCU game in 2022. His ability as an athlete and creator can open up an offense. Will excel in play-action-heavy offenses with a good running game.

Weaknesses: Often stares down one receiver post-snap which can lead to turnovers. Has inconsistencies with ball placement, often forcing his receivers to adjust mid-route, hindering YAC (yards after catch) potential. Sometimes gives the defensive backs enough time to make a play on the ball when he doesn’t use his arm strength. Lack of poise in the pocket and pressure seem to cause him to drop his eyes, hesitate, and pause mid-release. Poor decision-making under duress or crunch time (not many overall, but very concerning when scouting).

Summary:

The type of system McCarthy will flourish in is evident; run-first — opening up the play-action downfield. He is truly a great complement to the running game. Impressive arm strength that will allow you to open up the offense if he can become consistent. There is a need for polishing in his game, especially in his ability to read a complex defense, progress throughout the field, and in terms of his touch passes. His potential is intriguing.

Current Scheme Fits:

• Atlanta Falcons
• Detroit Lions
• New York Giants
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tennessee Titans

Who will he remind us of:

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr who was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.