The Michigan Wolverines football team made headlines recently during the Rose Bowl with a throwback gadget play that caught the attention of NFL scouts, particularly when quarterback J.J. McCarthy showcased his impressive athleticism. McCarthy caught a high pass with one hand, threw a 30-yard pass downfield while getting hit, and managed to impress top NFL teams such as the Commanders, Patriots, Giants, and Vikings.
Despite Michigan’s national championship win with a low-ranked passing offense, McCarthy is now being considered as a top 5 draft pick due to his leadership, intelligence, and arm strength, with some talent evaluators even comparing him to Tom Brady. However, concerns have been raised about McCarthy’s performance in some games last season where he struggled with low passing yardage and few touchdowns.
The evaluation of McCarthy has been a fascinating journey as he has risen to top pick consideration despite some inconsistencies in his performance. Questions still remain about his ability to translate his success in college to the NFL, especially given Michigan’s reliance on the running game and low passing yardage. Nevertheless, McCarthy’s draft campaign continues to gain momentum as he aims to make a successful transition to the professional level.