The prospect that baffles Mel Kiper Jr.: JJ McCarthy! | 🏈 First Draft 

My favorite is when I hear national people say he doesn't have a strong arm. It proves how much they go off consensus instead of watching the players.

JJ has just turned 21yr ,I can’t imagine with his dedication what he could be at 25 yr.

JJ does have a cannon. He can throw accurately on the run too. VERY accurately. Very mature, calm under pressure, all the intangibles teams look for. He can run away and extend plays. He just turned 21. I think he will excel in the pros

Last 6 games JJ had to throw against Penn State’s defense, OSUs defense, Iowa’s defense and Bama’s defense. Did Caleb Williams or Drake Maye play against that many top 10 defenses in their careers?

You could argue that he never got to throw the ball in rhythm because they asked him to throw it so seldom. Yet he nailed it when asked. All the more amazing.

McCarthy was asked to bail out the team when it was third down and long and he succeeded doing that to the level that they won a National Championship.

If you told me JJ McCarthy had the best NFL career out of all the QBs from this class I wouldn’t be surprised. As a Lions fan I’m worried if the Vikings take him 😅

He also only played 2-3 quarters for the first like 4-5 games, could’ve gotten more reps, but keeping him healthy and safe for end of season. With combine he’ll be able to check off the questions , bc he’s got more than enough of the intangibles! He’s gonna be incredible

It seems JJ will never get the respect he deserves. I guess winning back to back B1G Championships, making back to back CFP, going 27-1 as a starter and winning a Natty isn't enough. I guess throwing for over 75% isn't enough.....

JJ McCarthy will go in the top 10 write it down

I think JJ would’ve put up insane numbers if he went to a pass heavy offense. Imo, he shined often. But he didn’t throw the ball at the rate of Penix or Williams or Nix etc…

That system doesn’t help Roman or Jj with stats but they are both good. Put them on Oregon

As a Michigan fan, I am biased towards J.J. McCarthy. I think he's one of the better QBs in this draft. He's a proven winner, can be coached, he can make all the throws, read a defense, has mobility but doesn't depend on it, and has the ability to adapt to succeed within the confines of a game plan even if that means handing the ball off more than throwing it. He also comes from the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh, so I think he's well prepared to play in the NFL.

Everything baffles Kiper, he just doesn’t realize he’s baffled. Comparing his predictions to what subsequently occurs, easily demonstrates that point.

Biggest underrated aspect of JJ: he's the calm among the storm. He's a centering force, both literally and metaphorically. And then he will come out and run right through you if need be.

Best QB in Michigan football history! GO BLUE! NATTY!!! JJ for President!

JJ is going to have the best NFL career in this class. Whoever drafts him is lucky.

JJ still needs a year or two to refine his skills for the Pro game. If he's is drafted by the right team he will be successful.

Michigan fan here ….please Rams or a team like them ..with an older qb in place …draft him. Give him the Jordan love treatment JJ is the truth I belive in him…he just needs like all QBs ..the right fit. Mark my words he will be the best qb

JJ has a ton of intangibles that are evident on the field. He is a winner. Does everything he is supposed to. Makes every throw. Has some iffy mechanics and I want to see how he looks when his line gets constantly rushed. Needs to sit a year but will be very good if he does.

He's the best QB in the draft. QB is about intangibles and he has them all.

JJ will have the best career of this qb class. I want my Patriots to draft him

J.J is the type of QB the NFL likes now. He can make any throw and he can run 4.5 or better. Obviously a great leader and tough as nails. Some NFL team will be very happy.

JJ will no doubt be the first QB in this draft to get his team to a SB as a starter . He could have thrown for 350-400 yards a game but doesn’t put stats above the team and winning . He has been the ultimate leader on his teams and will continue to do so .

JJ is a winner, great leader. Unselfish. And what they said usnt true. 2 nfl coaches know exactly who he is. Both Harbaughs. If the chargers needed a qb Jim would take JJ in the first round over Caleb I bet.

What i liked about JJ is dude is a complete leader and team player. He was going for victories anyway he could. If that mean't he didn't make any plays with his arm and they had run, he was game. If he continues with that attitude and his work ethic, he could possibly go pretty far in the league.

The Michael Penix disrespect is mind blowing

JJ should go top ten far better prospect then Anthony Richardson

Mel Kiper's evaluation of Tom Brady, "Does not have the total package of skills for an NFL quarterback." You just keep it up Mel...great call on Brady...

If you don't know how good JJ is by now, you haven't been paying attention. He's got a great arm and can through a football through the eye of a needle. In almost every game he plays in, he's the fastest guy on the field. He will go top ten in the draft, easily.

JJM is super complicated for non football players like these guys and us. But, it seems like former players rate him much higher, not just the Michigan guys. We can analyze stats all day but the ballers see something else.

Five years from now he will be the best quarterback in this draft.

Of course, JJ McCarthy befuddles Kiper - afterall, Kiper has never played a single down of organized football, at any level. In addition, his prediction rate reflects this fact.

As a Michigan fan I can't deny that JJ only needed to manage the game. HOWEVER, his decision making is clean and his running ability translates better in the NFL than College imo. I don't see a superstar but I also don't think he's a bust.

There’s no doubting his talent. He has a rocket arm, is excellent at throwing on the run, and throwing against the grain. He can extend plays with his legs, but is also athletic enough as a runner to have designed runs and run for TDs. He’s also a GREAT leader. He has a lot of Zach Wilson in him, I’m talking about the BYU version of Zach Wilson, the one who got drafted 2nd overall. Very similar type of talents. I think he will get into the top 10 of the draft if he has a good combine and pro day. The only negative I see is, he very rarely was called up to be the guy to win the game. Michigan had a great run game and defense, and they were usually called upon to win some very close games. McCarthy was very rarely the guy that won the game. For instance, only threw 30+ times in a game 5 times in 2 years, and only threw for 300+ yards in a game 3 times in 2 years. He had 654 pass attempts in 2 years (29 games). Averaged 23 passing attempts per game.

Michigan fan so I've seen him a ton and JJ is a tough rank. Incredible athlete and very accurate but decision making can be iffy. Never wants to give up on a play and doesn't take the easy yards enough. If he learns that part a little better he can be a pro bowl type guy

The throw to Roman Wilson in the OSU game...

Imo i think he the 3 best qb he’s going too be good in the nfl because u said it he was getting wins without a MHjr or ondunze, i feel like the patriots would be a good fit like a run heavy offense he has good pocket presence and can keep a play alive like a joe burrow or mahomes

Mel is clear why the McCarthy eval is difficult for him and his concerns are appropriate.

He’s skilled, he’s tough, and he’s coachable. Anyone who has decent offensive weapons in need of a quarterback (FALCONS) should want a guy like JJ to develop on a rookie contract.

Jj will have the best career period. it doesn't matter where he gets picked

JJ is a winner and he doesn't care how it gets done. Great type to have in the locker room.

JJ has a better career than Daniels and Maye.

Vikings should draft him.

J.J.’s been makinng crazy throws his whole career. It’s the box score slappies who don’t like J.J. So many J.J. McCarthy crirics clearly didn’t watch him actually play. 🤦‍♂️

The best QB in the draft period

COLSTON!!! put some respect on my boy lol

If JJ goes to the Rams to back up Staff for a few years he will win multiple SB's

Seems like the perfect guy for San Fran, team player that lets the team play to it’s strengths like running & will be the chosen QB to get them over “winning” a superbowl.

Tom Brady didn’t have gaudy stats either. Different era but this Michigan team played the same as the old teams. He’s a leader and will be good in the pros.

Here is a stat you didn’t predict…He wins like Tom Brady…I take him in the first round….To the Michigan haters, think of the trade potential…Top 5…Go Blue 💜

I would compare JJ McCathy to Brock Purdy--he might not be the prototype NFL QB, but he is hyper competitive and makes everyone around him better and should excel on a team with offensive weapons. He might end up being the steal of the 2024 draft if he goes in the later rounds.

You can’t tell how good the WR’s on Michigan were because he never had to throw the ball

When everything was on the line how many game winning/game saving drives did JJ lead. That is this kids X factor

He was in a running offense and people want to say he’s a first round qb. I hope he goes anywhere but my favorite team.

JJ McCarthy is going to get drafted by my #GMEN. LetsGoGiants & always GOBLUE-NATTYUP🏆!

Didn’t jump out at you over 4 quarters?? Much of the season he didn’t play 4 quarters! Did you even watch?? Actually watch? Sometimes he wasn’t playing as much at end of 3rd quarters. Where were his elite receivers?? His receivers got it done. 〽️ had 15 wins with a balanced (heaviness to the run game) offense and an excellent defense. All they did (JJ did) is win. He was a great on-field manager. His skills combined with intelligence and grit got 〽️ a National Championship.

JJ McCarthy is by far the best college football player in history. Hes definetly worthy of being the first overall draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Everybody hating on JJ AND NIX BUT they might have the best careers in this draft out of all these QBs

JJ will go top 10

Saying there is a huge gulf between JJ and the top 3 is hubris.How many top 3 QBs have been worth it in the last 20yrs.For every Ponder there is a highly touted Zach Wilson.Even after all the evidence about how tough it is to identify franchise QBs people still make bombastic evaluations about them.A year ago Young was the overwhelming choice over Stroud.

He played behind the best O line in college most, if not all, his career. He had an elite defense and run game the whole time too. Carbon copy his career into the NFL and he would be called a game manager.

Deep QB class. He will be huge success if he can ease into a role in year 2 or 3…which is best for many QBs but often unrealistic to have that time

27-1 as a starter at Michigan. JJ is a winner. And he is only getting started. I remember another former UofM QB who came in “basic” and ended up pretty good.

Mel kipper makes excuses for the quarterbacks that he likes

I think JJ is like the Brock Purdy of this draft, he’s not the best on paper compared to others, but his team-first mentality and smart, effective play helps his team WIN.

If winning matters then draft JJ!

If Mel is baffled draft Him #1

Football IQ is off the charts. He makes very few mistakes and will make plays when you need him to. Put some WR around him and watch. Think NO Saints version of Drew Brees.

Jj is gamer Sorry but some of his passes were perfection

He is going to be a hit

For anyone to suggest that Penix is better than JJ...go back and watch the highlights of the Natty...JJ out played Penix the entire game and will out play him in the NFL as well....JJ will go top 20!!!

Kiper acknowledges that it's all about winning but ignores the fact that JJ was 27-1 in college and 68-3 if you include high school. The guy is a winning machine. Michigan runs an NFL style offense so he'll be ready to play for any team on day one unlike a lot of rookies. Did either of these two question Trey Lance getting picked 3rd overall after playing just 19 games at North Dakota St? McCarthy was a 5 star recruit, won 2 Big Ten titles and a Natty.

Somewhere between Tony Romo and Blaine Gabbert.

JJ McCarthy is QB3

Kiper cannot talk about Jake Locker. Of anyone KIPER was the one hyping him up beyond belief "if he had come out of college this year he would have been the number one pick in the draft." Average fan me was going huh?? Guy is only around 50% completions in college!

I've liked JJ since i watched the penn state game

I agree with their points about JJ but what I see with him is pinpoint accuracy when on the run more so then the pocket.. Which can be developed over time and reps and the ability to make a play when the pressure is the highest! He made throws that absolutely had to be made at crucial points in the most important games! He's only started 28 games.. That's a fraction of Bo and Michael P! If he has the opportunity to play behind a veteran for a year or 2 he will be as good as anyone ahead of him in the draft.

it's literally not that hard to rank him, it's really obvious what he does well and what system he would thrive in

JJ has the "it" factor

You basically said that McCarthy is Trubitski 2.0. Very athletic, but otherwise a puzzle.

They said that about tom Brady

The good thing about Kyper Jr is that he’s wrong so often, no one will really care which way he goes on this kid.

Y’all remember max jones and how transcendent he was supposed to be and y’all want me to believe jj mcass is gonna tribe in the nfl and never threw for 3,000 yards 😂😂😂

! we like him a lot .. michigan was run oriented .. he wasn't asked to carry the team ., think he will be gone by #16 pick . he's only 21 ...

michigan offense he didn't have to carry it. that line with corum, inevitable

No way JJ McCarthy makes it past the broncos at 12. JJ probably goes top 10.

McCarthy wasn't Elite yet in College. But he is young. 3 years younger then Bo Nix. So much potential to grow. That's what teams will value mostly. If he were 24 and all he showed was his last 2 seasons, we would be talking about a 5th-7rd pick.

He will be drafted higher than 23-24 due to his athleticism and accuracy

Mel Kiper is the Quentin Tarantino of the sports world

Lets be honest, Mel Kiper is about as accurate as a storm trooper

Pats going for JJ

If J.J is selected by Denver by Sean Payton, I see a perfect match. This is the type of QB Payton found success in Drew Brees. Similar skill sets.

at least McCarthy has played for an NFL coach and has a Natty under his belt...but I think his stock will drop only because there are other high profile QBs...whoever gets him, they will be really happy

JJ will be the best QB in this class. He has a cannon for an arm. He is accurate with the ball. He can throw the intermediate routes and the long ball. He can run when needed, or on designed runs, and can throw on the run. He can read a defense and makes good decisions with the ball. IMO, JJ is more deserving to be the first QB taken in this draft, and the teams that pass on him, will regret it. JJ is not the toughest QB to rank for anyone that is a Michigan fan and watched the games. JJ has just as strong of an arm as any QB in this class, if not the strongest arm. JJ is accurate with the ball. JJ can read a defense and make quick decisions. JJ can run when needed and can scramble and throw accurately on the run as well. JJ checks every box for what a team wants from their QB. Not to mention, JJ is the youngest QB of the bunch and came from a pro style offense and is NFL ready.

I'd love to see him on the Lions.....BECAUSE He's a baller, and can do all sorts of Good things on a football field.

The thing you all are missing is JJ’s arm is a lot fresher than most of the guys coming out! and Roman is a lot better then you guys are giving him…. If Roman was in the SEC you guys would be celebrating him

If he didn't have such great runningbacks nobody would even mention jj

Brock Purdy proved that you don’t have to pick a quarterback as a first round pick. I personally would build an offensive line.

JJ will be better than every QB in this draft in 5 years