Notre Dame Quarterback CJ Carr Passes the Eye Test

Who is Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr?

And how does his skill set translate to the NFL?

Those are the two questions I had going into this evaluation.

I’d never seen Carr play before, and no, he’s no relation to former NFL quarterbacks Derek or David Carr. However, his bloodlines are tied to the game. He is the son of former Michigan quarterback Jason Carr and the grandson of former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr.

In reference to those two questions ⎯

He has this wild look in his eyes. He has a wild streak to his nature.

And he has a demonstrated skill set that translates well to the NFL. He’s a poster child for quarterback camp.

His 2025 game film is a combination of those two components. Both components are woven throughout the schedule.

It was also apparent that he’s a quick study.

What are some of Carr’s traits that translate well to the NFL?

• Doesn’t run a lot (41 rushing attempts)
• Takes minimal sacks (12)
• Spreads the ball around at all three route levels to different targets (WR Jordan Faison 49 receptions, WR Malachi Fields 36 receptions, TE Eli Raridon 32 receptions, and WR Will Pauling 26 receptions)

I also was struck by how comfortable Carr looked reading defenses and how he regularily threw to his second read from the pocket. The chemistry and cohesion he developed with his receivers and tight end also stood out.

Bombs away

This is another characteristic that translates well to the NFL.

I put a lot of stock into college quarterback prospects who show the ability to aggressively and effectively attack secondaries downfield. NFL teams ideally need a starting franchise quarterback who can stretch the field and generate explosive plays. Carr has shown he can do that, and he seems to enjoy doing it.

I charted 52 passing attempts that went 20+ yards in the air. Out of those, he completed 23 (44.2%).

Circling back to that wild streak of his

This is a big enough deal that it’s worth unpacking some more.

It’s my biggest concern about him.

It just comes out ⎯

There are these moments when he gets undisciplined. These are moments when he decided to hold onto the ball too long, and things tended to break down. It seemed like these were the moments he was trying too hard to make things happen on his own and got out of the play design.

To his credit ⎯

He got himself and his game more under control as the season progressed. He was able to take what defenses were giving him more and more, and force things less and less.

That’s what gave me the confidence to put this grade on him.

#13 CJ Carr 6-foot-3, 210 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2026 Spring Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by NFL Mock Draft Database to be a First-Round prospect as of June 8, 2026

2025 game film evaluated: Miami, Texas A&M, Purdue, Arkansas, Boise State, NCSU, USC, Boston College, Navy, PITT, Syracuse, and Stanford (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2025 time to throw 2.54 seconds (Pro Football Focus)

2027 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic pocket passer with good arm strength. Competitive. Good pre-snap command. Leads with a consistent tempo. High football IQ. Poised. Fearless. Shows some emotion. Operates almost exclusively out of shotgun formation. Clapping cadence. Some improv. Good behind the line of scrimmage mobility. Can set and reset the pocket. Eyes downfield. Toyed with third reads. Does tend to show controlled footwork when he is throwing. Average decision-making. Strong enough arm. Solid rolling out and throwing in either direction. Ball placement overall is decent. Throws an occasional airball. When he misses, his passes tend to sail high or be overthrown. Ball security: 22 PBUs (1.83 per-game average). Failed to come through in several 4th down clutch moments. Tends to draw pass interference calls. Average at taking care of his body when he’s running.

What to watch for during the 2026 college football season?

1. Is he purposely trying to get out of structure?

2. Decision making?

3. How does his overall ball placement look?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.