To the ever-expanding list of possible under-center options for the Denver Broncos, add the alluring name of Michigan standout quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy revealed on Sunday that he would be entering the 2024 NFL Draft instead of playing for the National Champion Wolverines.
McCarthy turns 21 years old on January 20, but with a starting record of 27-1 spread over two seasons spent at Ann Arbor, he’s proved time and again that winning big games is a specialty. Strangely enough, McCarthy came in at only 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting, but that might have been due to his role in Michigan’s run-first offense.
Taking care of the ball was a particular forte of McCarthy’s, who only threw just nine interceptions over the entirety of the last two seasons. Broncos head coach Sean Payton could be drawn to McCarthy’s ability to take command of an offense and lead a team. After all, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended twice for a total of six games this past season, but McCarthy scarcely missed a beat
Indeed, the young QB performed lights out under the most intense pressure down the stretch and into the college playoffs. McCarthy’s ability to see the field and make a variety of throws from different angles is sure to make other pro coaches take notice in the pre-draft process.
Perhaps that’s where things will become more problematic for the Broncos — McCarthy has a plethora of abilities, which could lead to a dramatic rise up draft boards around the NFL, but there are warts to his game. He still lacks the elements of touch and feel as a passer, so he will require some coaching to help him reach his potential at the next level.
Consequently, many teams may slap a second-round grade on McCarthy ahead of the draft. However, chances are, once NFL teams get a chance to interview this proven winner, it could dramatically tip the scales back in the QB’s favor relative to his draft stock.
None of this held back Coach Harbaugh from rubber-stamping McCarthy’s NFL readiness, though.
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