NFL Combine: will J.J. McCarthy throw at the scouting event?

J.J. McCarthy showcased his prowess on the field in the 2023 season and secured the national championship title for the Michigan Wolverines after a 26-year drought. The quarterback’s performance was pivotal in leading his squad to this long-awaited victory. He has already solidified his status as a standout player in collegiate football and announced his inclusion in the upcoming draft

The 2024 NFL Combine is looming on the horizon. All eyes are on highly touted quarterbacks like McCarthy’s inclusion in the event that is set to kick off this week.

Will J.J. McCarthy participate in the 2024 NFL Combine?

Reports indicate that J.J. McCarthy is gearing up to showcase his skills at the combine at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday. According to Jordan Schultz’s report for Bleacher Report, McCarthy, along with fellow quarterback Spencer Rattler from South Carolina, is slated to participate in the on-field workouts, giving NFL evaluators a firsthand look at his abilities.

While McCarthy may not be the unanimous top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class, he has definitely caught the attention of draft analysts. Among the top contenders like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, McCarthy is being touted as a possible first-round pick by a number of analysts.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently pegged the Michigan QB as the eighth overall pick in his mock draft 2.0, projecting him to land with the Atlanta Falcons. However, the signal-caller’s former coach and current Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Jim Harbaugh, sees even greater potential in him, suggesting that he could be the first QB off the board come draft day.

How did J.J. McCarthy fare last season?

In the 2023 season, J. J. McCarthy racked up 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His exceptional performance was clearly displayed during the Rose Bowl matchup with Alabama. The victory pushed the Wolverines into the championship game.

The quarterback’s impressive performance included completing 17-of-27 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns. He displayed his charisma by making a clutch throw with 1:34 left on the clock, pushing the intense game into overtime. His outstanding play was a key factor in Michigan’s remarkable 27-1 season record.

Nevertheless, J.J. McCarthy came under fire for his decision-making, especially due to the 20 interceptions he threw in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. This aspect left many wondering, sparking worries about his performance consistency and the necessity for further improvement in his tactical decisions during the game.