NFL Rumors: 'Real Chance' J.J. McCarthy Could Be Viewed as Top-3 QB in 2024 Draft

There is a legitimate possibility that some NFL front offices view J.J. McCarthy as one of the three best quarterback prospects available in the 2024 draft, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"There is a real chance that some teams consider him to be the third and consider him to be closer to the top three than maybe we realized," Rapoport said in regards to the former Michigan signal-caller on Saturday.

While USC quarterback Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye appear to have the top two spots locked down, some teams could ultimately have McCarthy over LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels on their draft boards.

A strong performance at the scouting combine on Saturday could improve McCarthy's draft stock, as he's set to throw although he won't be running or jumping due to a hamstring issue (via ESPN's Jeff Legwold).

Despite playing on a Michigan team that typically dominated opponents on the ground, the 21-year-old wrapped up a strong 2023 campaign through the air. McCarthy completed 72.3 percent of his throws for 2,991 yards, tossing 22 touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

While it isn't difficult to imagine him being a first-round selection, it would be a surprise if he were one of the first three quarterbacks taken on April 25. In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, McCarthy was the fourth passer off the board after he was selected by the Denver Broncos with the No. 12 overall pick.

B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen was impressed with his ability to hang in the pocket during play-action situations and find receivers over the middle, although he expressed concerns regarding the quarterback's lack of accuracy on throws outside the numbers.

"He has the velocity to fit those throws moving over the middle, but that's it," Klassen wrote. "McCarthy is a one-speed thrower who struggles to layer throws in, particularly down the field and outside the numbers. That's going to severely limit the design of any offense with him at the helm."

While his limitations are apparent, it seems as though his strengths may result in front offices attempting to draft him much earlier than expected.