One of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s NFL Draft is Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Initially, McCarthy was viewed as a mid first-round pick, at best, but over the last several weeks, he has shot up draft boards and may now go as high as third overall to the New England Patriots.
Former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Anthony “Booger” McFarland vehemently disagrees and offered his very blunt thoughts on McCarthy during a recent episode of ESPN’s Get Up.
“There’s no way you can convince me that J.J. McCarthy is the third-best player in this draft,” said McFarland. “I don’t think he’s the fourth-best player in this draft. We’re talking about drafting this quarterback as high as No. 4? … And I know quarterbacks are going to go higher because of the supply and demand, I get all of that. But just from a talent standpoint … Drake Maye is a better quarterback than J.J. McCarthy. … From a pure talent standpoint, what Drake Maye can do, I don’t think J.J. McCarthy can do.”
This was a direct response to Mike Greenberg, who asked McFarland his thoughts on McCarthy potentially going before Maye in the draft.
USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels are widely expected to go Nos. 1 and 2 to the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders, leaving the Patriots selection at No. 3 up for debate.
While most feel that New England should roll with either Maye or Daniels (if Daniels is available) with the third selection, there appears to be growing momentum that the Pats could end up taking McCarthy.
McCarthy is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he led Michigan to a national title, throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 72.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 202 yards and three scores.
While some laud McCarthy’s intangibles, others point out his physical limitations.
We’ll see where J.J. McCarthy goes in a little over a week.
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