Final NFL draft predictions for J.J. McCarthy, Michigan football

One thing we know for sure going into the 2024 NFL draft is that Michigan football will have a quarterback selected in the first round for just the second time.

Jim Harbaugh was the other. J.J. McCarthy is going to become the second. There has been chatter about the Commanders, Patriots, Vikings, Giants, and Broncos. Some teams would have to move up to land McCarthy, while Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are also in the mix.

All signs point to Caleb Williams going No. 1. After that, we don't know. J.J. McCarthy's odds have been rising for the No. 2 pick. Minnesota wants to move up for a quarterback but there are rumblings they want Drake Maye. The Vikings OC did coach Maye in high school, there is that tie there, but that doesn't mean they like him over McCarthy.

At any rate, I don't see McCarthy falling out of the top five. If he's there when Jim Harbaugh picks, I think there's a decent chance Denver or New York or Minnesota trades up. It all depends on New England. If they do a deal with the Vikings, McCarthy could fall a bit. That's assuming Minnesota trades up and picks Maye and the Commanders go with Daniels.

Then, you'd have the Giants and Broncos. Would one of them jump up to make sure they get McCarthy or hope that he falls into their lap? I could see either scenario, but I think the Michigan football quarterback is gone by the fifth pick. At least the top 10, which was my prediciton last spring.

Will Michigan football break the draft record?

The Wolverines will probably only have one player picked tonight. But watch for Mike Sanristil or Roman Wilson to sneak into the end of the first round.

If not, they will go early on day two. I also think that Michigan football players Junior Colson, Kris Jenkins, and Blake Corum will get drafted, making that a total of six in the first two days.

The record will come down to Saturday. The offensive line has six candidates to get drafted and if five come off the board, Michigan football should set the record. A.J. Barner (TE), Zak Zinter (OG), Trevor Keegan (OG), and Cornelius Johnson (WR) are all no-brainers. Jaylen Harrell (EDGE) and Braiden McGregor (EDGE) fall into that category too along with Michael Barrett (LB) for me. LaDarius Henderson (OT), Drake Nugent (C), Trente Jones (OL), and Karsen Barnhart (OL) all have great chances to be drafted along with Josh Wallace (CB) who is 50/50.

With the way Michigan football develops offensive lineman, and with the true need for capable depth in the NFL, I think there's a chance all six guys get picked. Nugent is a true center and could provide great value later. One might have to make it as a rookie free agent, but my prediciton is 16 picks for the Wolverines.

A new record and one last achievement for Jim Harbaugh and Team 144.

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