Michigan's J.J. McCarthy may be the most polarizing quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The primary thing that comes down to is the "game manager" label that has been pinned on him by some, though he's had some flashes of brilliance as true playmaker through the air in his own right that suggest he could be far more than that. How he performs at the next level will reveal how much of that may have just been the Michigan offense and what it asked of him.
Regardless, McCarthy remains in the Heisman Trophy conversation with the ability to possibly become one of the earliest quarterback picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
MORE: Heisman Trophy watch: Updated odds, top candidates to win 2023 award
To this point in the season, McCarthy has completed 75.7% of his passes for 2,134 yards with 18 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Without even being asked, head coach Jim Harbaugh made a bold statement in a press conference this season, saying he though McCarthy may be the best quarterback in the history of the program.
“J.J. (McCarthy)... is a once-in-a-generation quarterback. J.J. has shown to be on a path to be the best quarterback in Michigan history.”
Here's a look at how McCarthy's draft stock looks as the college season winds down:
J.J. McCarthy NFL Draft projection
Mock Draft projection: First-round grade
McCarthy is largely expected to be taken late in the first round and it would be surprising to watch him fall any further than the midway point of the second round.
Among the other quarterbacks within the class with a chance of also being selected in the first and second rounds include names like Caleb Williams (USC), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), Drake Maye (UNC) and Bo Nix (Oregon).
NFL MOCK DRAFT 2024: See where SN's Vinnie Iyer has McCarthy landing
J.J. McCarthy strengths
To elaborate upon the initial point made here, there's one primary attribute looked upon for a quarterback who is more than just a game manager. (One who primarily moves the chains by checking things down/with receivers who capitalize on yards after the catch.)
That thing is pro-level arm talent, something not every signal-caller possesses. There's obviously a difference there between adequate arm strength and having a Howitzer, though. McCarthy falls on the right side of that spectrum.
He couples that immense arm talent with the velocity to give his receivers a chance when throwing the ball into tight windows, good timing on routes with his receivers, anticipation, soundness in mechanics and going through progressions, and football IQ to understand what's happening while consistently making the right decisions.
J.J. McCarthy weaknesses
McCarthy has been knocked by some for his slender build at, 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, but it wouldn't be the first time a quarterback with a similar physical makeup has succeeded in the NFL if he does meet the expectations in his pro transition.
One of the more realistic concerns with McCarthy is the player he sometimes becomes under pressure. In these situations, McCarthy has been known to hesitate and drop his eyes, which can get him into trouble.
Ball placement has also been off at times, despite a strong offensive line and solid supporting cast.
J.J. McCarthy NFL player comparison
Andrew Luck
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh himself noted this, and comparing the film and traits of the two, it's easy to see why from a passing perspective. McCarthy is a strong traditional pocket passer as Luck was, playing at a similar level.
Luck had the proper amount of athleticism to succeed as a pocket passer, though McCarthy is more talented in that particular category with legitimate speed and agility as a prospect who can hurt opposing defenses with his legs.
