NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Michigan's J.J. McCarthy Could be Top-10 Pick After Combine

J.J. McCarthy's performance at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine appears to have boosted his draft stock in a major way.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, front offices are higher on the former Michigan quarterback than "a lot of people on the outside think," and his name could be called within the top 10 picks of the draft.

Although the 21-year-old didn't run or jump at the combine, he participated in throwing drills. While he got off to a slow start, he was able to eventually show off his arm strength and connect on a few impressive deep throws before his day was finished.

He also appeared to add size to his frame, measuring in at just over 6'2" and 219 pounds after he was previously listed at 202 pounds during his senior campaign with the Wolverines.

McCarthy's strong day seems to have resonated with several teams, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed Sunday that there's a "pretty good chance" he's the fourth quarterback selected.

He barely fell outside the opening 10 picks in the latest mock draft by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, heading to the Denver Broncos with the No. 12 selection. McCarthy was also the fourth quarterback off the board behind USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels of LSU.

An exceptional performance in the 40-yard dash at Michigan's pro day could also result in McCarthy's projected draft range climbing even higher.