NFL Scout Hypes J.J. McCarthy’s ‘Ridiculous’ Pro Day: ‘He’s a Super Athlete’

Andrew PetersApril 9, 2024

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NFL scouts are high on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy after his pro day on Monday.

Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, an AFC college scouting director had high praise for McCarthy, calling him a “super athlete.”

“His pro day was ridiculous,” the AFC scout said. “He’s a super athlete, a really efficient thrower. I like his skill set.”

McCarthy didn’t necessarily stand out as a top quarterback the way USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye did, but his stock has risen over the past few months.

According to Breer, another AFC coach who went to both McCarthy and Williams’ pro days said that McCarthy surprised him with his ability at his pro day.

“J.J.’s got more arm than I thought from what I saw on tape,” the coach said. “It was pretty impressive. Every ball wasn’t on the face mask, some were behind guys a little, and Caleb’s more naturally accurate. But, man, he showed off his arm. There was one where he was moving away from internal pressure, drifting left, and throwing [right] to the field—wow. The spiral is tight, the rotation is there, he drove the ball more than Caleb did.”

In his final year at Michigan, McCarthy had 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions, leading the Wolverines to a national title. Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department considers him to be the No. 54 overall prospect and the No. 4 quarterback in the draft class, only behind Maye, Williams and Daniels.

In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, McCarthy is projected to land with the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 5 overall pick. While the Vikings don’t have that pick yet—they have the No. 11 pick—Minnesota could be looking to trade up to take a quarterback.

Williams, Daniels and Maye are projected to be off the board within the first three picks, so McCarthy could be the best option for the Vikings if they manage to trade up.