Although it is unlikely that he will be chosen first overall, J.J. McCarthy, the incoming quarterback, has undoubtedly generated the most buzz throughout the draft process. The starting quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines, who are currently the national champions of the College Football Playoff, is projected to enter the NFL earlier than anticipated in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The consensus choice for where the Washington Commanders select at No. 2 overall, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, who spoke with team executives at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting, is McCarthy. McCarthy’s biggest advocate has been Jim Harbaugh, his former head coach, who called him the best quarterback in this draft and said he had the best pro day he’s ever seen from a quarterback.
As the starting quarterback at Michigan, the former four-star prospect finished 27-1, which is good for third-best among all quarterbacks in FBS history. McCarthy tossed 49 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions in 40 games overall. The Wolverines were the top football team in college this past season, but McCarthy wasn’t exactly leading the offense. Despite only trying eighteen passes in the championship victory over Washington, his 2,991 throwing yards ranked 35th in the nation. While he didn’t have flashy stats like Michael Penix Jr., he did show his true colors when needed.
Let’s examine the top five locations McCarthy might end up. These are the best “fits” for the former Michigan quarterback, not necessarily the most likely places for him to end up.McCarthy is only 21 years old and could learn a lot from Kirk Cousins, even though he wouldn’t start off immediately in Atlanta. Zac Robinson, an Atlanta native and student of Sean McVay, is leading the team on offense as a new era begins. With players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts poised to make the next move, there’s cause for optimism. The Falcons’ top-10 rushing attack would help McCarthy, as Bijan and Tyler Allgeier would become his new “Blake Corum,” so to speak. Although McCarthy wouldn’t be starting for a few seasons, the Falcons are ranked No. 5, and Atlanta is a good place for any young quarterback to make their debut.
Being the new face of the Vegas-based NFL franchise would be an amazing opportunity for anyone. The Raiders may have finally found their footing with the acquisition of Antonio Pierce. Although Josh Jacobs left the team, Davante Adams remains a dependable contributor for the offense. Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator, may be hired; we’ll see.
It’s difficult to live in the AFC West, but Pierce improved the defense in the middle of the season and signed defensive lineman Christian Wilkins in free agency. The former Dolphin not only adds a pass rush element up the middle, but he should also clear space off the edge for Tyree Wilson and Maxx Crosby. Being able to compete against Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell for the QB1 slot in
