What is JJ McCarthy’s NFL draft projection? The Michigan Wolverines quarterback’s stats
The Michigan quarterback looks like a franchise quarterback in the making which is precisely why many have projected that he will be a first-round selection.
It’s clear to see that Michigan Wolverines junior quarterback JJ McCarthy possesses all of the qualities you want to see in a signal caller, and he secured the starting job for the Wolverines, which is no small feat. He will have a huge decision to make after the season: return to Michigan for his senior year or enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
Given that upcoming decision, we decided to take a look at the former five-star recruit’s stats.
J.J. McCarthy secured the starting spot in Michigan back in Week 2 of the 2022 season and quite frankly did not looked back since. In that sophomore year, he would lead the Wolverines to a 13-1 overall record which included a massive scalp in the form of a road win against No. 2 ranked Ohio State.
OK, but where is J.J. McCarthy at right now?
Following that stand-out season in 2022, McCarthy has become perhaps the most divisive quarterback in college football. On the one side, he is without a doubt a playmaking signal caller. On the other, there are those who have referred to him as simply a “game manager.”
2023 Season Stats
Completion Rate: 72.3%
Passing Yards: 2,991
Touchdowns: 22
Interceptions: 4
Rushing Yards: 202
Rushing Touchdowns: 3
McCarthy completed a robust 72.3% of his throws, showcasing accuracy and efficiency.
So, where and how is J.J. McCarthy projected to go?
In recent mock drafts the prolific QB is projected to go as No. 12 for the Denver Broncos, who need a QB that can help out Russell Wilson. But thats not the only projection for J.J. McCarthy, he is also expected to have the interest of the Seahawks at number 16.
“McCarthy is intriguing because of his 6-foot-3 frame, running ability, accuracy and arm talent,” McShay wrote. “In Minnesota, Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his deal and the team could move on. Despite winning 13 games last season, the Vikings were outside the top 20 in QBR (49.9). ...McCarthy could be the future for a team like Minnesota if he takes the next step in 2023.”
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh thinks J.J. McCarthy is special
If you like a bit of trivia, it might interest you to know that should McCarthy get selected in the first round of the draft, he would actually be just the second Michigan quarterback to do so. Who was the first? That would be Jim Harbaugh the current coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Needless to say, Harbaugh’s thoughts on McCarthy were only positive. Speaking earlier this year during a press conference, this is what he had to say:
“Tremendous physical ability and athletic ability and in every single way that you would want your quarterback. The rare thing is that he would sacrifice anything for any player on this team. Personally, he’s just so willing to do whatever is best for the team. I would follow him anywhere happily. I suggest that all players on our team do the same thing. He’s just really, really good at it. As far as anything you tell him, I mean, any coaching point that you give, he just he absorbs it and will make the correction immediately. It’s tremendous.” Ultimately, we’ve still got to wait to see how McCarthy’s future pans out, but we’re excited about it.