As the 2024 NFL Draft continues to draw closer, the name JJ McCarthy has become more and more popular.
Throughout the NFL Draft evaluation process, consensus among scouts and team executives has centered on Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye as the premier quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
Consequently, with the top QB-needy teams set to select in the first three picks, other franchises are closely monitoring more attainable options.
This dynamic places Michigan’s JJ McCarthy in an advantageous position as the fourth-ranked quarterback prospect, presenting a viable target for interested teams. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has even gone as far as likening McCarthy to a reincarnation of Kirk Cousins.
During a recent segment of First Take, Orlovsky commended McCarthy’s confidence and knack for effortlessly executing challenging plays, lauding him as a “stone-cold assassin” when the situation demands it.
Orlovsky further speculated that McCarthy’s playing style would resemble that of Cousins, consistently performing at a top-10 level, albeit possibly not reaching the top-five echelon.
“I think he likely is going to play consistently like a Kirk Cousins as a top 10 or so quarterback.”
Indeed, having a quarterback reminiscent of Kirk Cousins could prove beneficial for many teams. Cousins has long been praised for his arm talent, despite criticisms regarding his mobility and decision-making speed. The primary critique against Cousins has been his struggles in primetime matchups and against elite opponents.
Nonetheless, the unpredictability of the NFL Draft, particularly concerning quarterbacks, remains a constant. While McCarthy possesses promising potential, nothing is guaranteed in the draft, and only time will reveal his true trajectory in the league.
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