J.J. McCarthy at 2024 NFL Combine: Measurements, Highlights and Reaction

zach bacharContributor IMarch 2, 2024

Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

J.J. McCarthy took the field at the NFL scouting combine on Saturday in Indianapolis, as the former Michigan star measured in and participated in throwing drills.

He did not run the 40-yard dash or attempt any jumps due to hamstring tightness, per ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. McCarthy measured in at just over 6’2″ and 219 pounds, adding some bulk to his frame after he was listed at 202 pounds in college.

Charles Robinson @CharlesRobinson2024 #NFLCombine key measurements thread…

166. #Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

Height: 6-2 4/8
Weight: 219
Arm: 31 5/8
Hand: 9
Wingspan: 75 7/8

His 9″ hand size is smaller than his fellow quarterback prospects in the 2024 class, although it’s not a telltale sign that he’ll struggle in the NFL. Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow also had a 9″ hand size that was revealed during the 2020 combine.

McCarthy initially struggled with his accuracy on deep routes during the drills, which is a trend that carried over from his days with the Wolverines.

Derrik Klassen @QBKlassJJ McCarthy struggling to connect throwing go balls on air, which tracks with the charting pic.twitter.com/hSE5WlITxv

However, he seemed to grow more comfortable as the day continued and showed why many believe that he’ll become a quality starter in the NFL.

NFL @NFL.@jjmccarthy09 getting some nice reps in

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fqlNE6ybDY

NFL @NFL.@jjmccarthy09 airing it out

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1B6NSNT3N4

Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24J.J. McCarthy put together a solid day in drills today.

Was it perfect? No. But you saw the arm strength. You saw the downfield touch. If you’re patient with his development, you could get a legit starter on your hands. #NFLCombine

He also showed off his velocity as the hardest throw by each quarterback was recorded. McCarthy topped out at 61 mph, the second-best mark behind former Tennessee signal-caller Joe Milton III.

NFL @NFLWhich QB from this group threw it the hardest? 👀

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/jPHtaZh1ho

B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen compared McCarthy to Baker Mayfield in his scouting report, with the two owning similar measurements at their respective combine appearances. Mayfield measured in at just below 6’1″ and 215 pounds at the 2018 combine, with a hand size of roughly 9.25 inches.

McCarthy appeared to improve his draft stock with his throwing on Saturday, and he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his athleticism in front of teams when he presumptively runs the 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day. The date is not currently known, however.