J.J. McCarthy Rumors: 'Scouts Wanted to See More' from QB Ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a stellar junior season that culminated with a national championship, but his performance on the field reportedly left something to be desired.

ESPN's Jordan Reid reported that while McCarthy is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL draft class, scouts were hoping to see him air it out more often than he did in his final year with the Wolverines.

"McCarthy is one of the most talked about prospects in this draft cycle," Reid stated. "In a Michigan offense that leans on the run and incorporates play-action principles, he only reached 25 or more passing attempts in 12 of his 28 career starts. Scouts wanted to see more."

McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions in 2023. B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranks him as the fourth-best quarterback in this year's draft class in the latest big board.

Reid went on to add that despite having some detractors, McCarthy still has traits that make him an attractive prospect to teams in need of a young signal-caller.

"That said, McCarthy displayed ball placement, anticipation and mobility when he has been allowed to throw the ball, outside of an uncharacteristically poor three-interception performance against Bowling Green early last season," Reid stated. "His 88.2 QBR and 72.3% completion percentage were both top-six numbers in the country in 2023."