2024 NFL Draft: Caleb Williams and 6 QBs fans should look out for

4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

While some names are already well-known, others may be flying under the radar, including J.J. McCarthy, the QB from Michigan. For starters, he’s playing in an offense with pro-style concepts under Jim Harbaugh.

In his first full season as Michigan’s starter, McCarthy showed promise, throwing for over 2,700 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. At 6’3″ and 196 pounds, he still has room to grow and improve in the weight room. However, he is already an elite athlete with a live arm and special creation potential.

McCarthy’s high school career at IMG Academy earned him a 4-star rating from both ESPN and 247 Sports. In his freshman year at Michigan, he saw action in 11 games, throwing for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for over 150 yards. As a sophomore in 2022, he played in 13 games and threw for almost 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns.

One of McCarthy’s biggest strengths is his arm, which he uses to get the ball from one side of the field to the other in a hurry. He also has the ability to hit tight windows on short and intermediate throws. He is an instinctive player who can make plays when forced to improvise, and he has the speed to pick up yardage in scramble situations.

However, McCarthy does have some weaknesses that he will need to address in order to succeed at the next level. He has a tendency to fade and throw off his back foot when the pocket gets muddled, which can lead to a drop in accuracy. His mechanics are also inconsistent, which can lead to sporadic accuracy. Finally, he tends to hold the ball loosely and away from his body, putting him at risk for strip sacks.

Despite these weaknesses, McCarthy is a QB who deserves to be on the radar for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. With more time to develop and refine his skills, he has the potential to become a top-tier quarterback in the league. Fans and experts should keep an eye on him as the draft approaches.