NFL GM: J.J. McCarthy 'Never Had to Carry Michigan and Was Driving a Damn Cadillac'

Ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, one anonymous general manager wasn't impressed with quarterback J.J. McCarthy's final season with Michigan.

"I need to watch McCarthy more but I never saw [the positives] we're hearing about him now," the general manager told Ben Standig of The Athletic. "J.J. never had to carry Michigan and was driving a damn Cadillac."

McCarthy played an important role for the Wolverines in 2023, helping the team secure an undefeated season that was capped off by a 34-13 win over Washington in the national championship. The 21-year-old threw for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions.

However, it's worth noting that the Wolverines also had an excellent supporting cast surrounding McCarthy. Michigan allowed just 10.4 points each week across 15 games, owning the best scoring defense in the country. Running back Blake Corum also racked up 1,245 yards on the ground, good enough for the No. 2 mark among all Big Ten players.

McCarthy is currently ranked as the No. 4 quarterback prospect on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. However, B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen acknowledged that the signal-caller typically thrived in play-action scenarios which can be partially attributed to Michigan's strong run game.

"Michigan's offense did not put a lot on McCarthy's shoulders," Klassen wrote. "A good chunk of the offense utilized play action to open up the middle of the field or motion to get man/zone indicators that McCarthy could use to throw the quick game."

Although McCarthy likely won't have to wait too long to hear his name called on April 25, he could slip if other general managers share a similar view of his final college season.