Where ESPN ranks Michigan football's J.J. McCarthy ahead of 2024 NFL draft
One of the biggest questions facing Michigan football this offseason will be the NFL draft decision of quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The elephant in the room is Jim Harbaugh. McCarthy, the former five-star quarterback who has a 25-1 record as a starting quarterback, is incredibly close with Harbaugh. If Jim leaves for the NFL -- which is feeling more likely, especially since he hasn't signed a 10-year $125 million contract offer from Michigan football, which does include a clause that he won't pursue the NFL in 2024 -- it's even harder to predict what McCarthy will do.
At one point this season, McCarthy was thought of as a Heisman candidate. However, he only threw one touchdown pass in the last four games, despite remaining very efficient. He was also hurt down the stretch.
It's hard to know how that will impact his draft stock, although if he leads Michigan football a national championship I have a hard time seeing him not getting drafted in the first round.
ESPN recently weighed in on the 2024 class. Things are far from finalized but ESPN's Jordan Reid ranks McCarthy, one of the best quarterbacks in Michigan football history, as the No. 6 prospect leading up to the 2024 draft. Here's what he wrote about McCarthy (via On3.com).
"Through the first part of the season, looked like he could be in line for Heisman Trophy consideration. While Michigan opted to lean into the run game toward the end of the year, McCarthy is still right in the middle of ESPN’s quarterback rankings. McCarthy has shown his ability to make plays with his legs, as well, and that dual-threat ability is part of what makes him stand out. He can make a statement in the Rose Bowl when he takes on an Alabama defense that has been red-hot to end the regular season."
Michigan's CFB Playoff odds . dark. Next. NEXT
Honestly, if Michigan football wins the national title, Jim and McCarthy might go to the NFL together and you know what? And I'm totally fine with that