The 2024 NFL Draft class includes three quarterbacks — Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels — expected to be selected with the first three picks.
J.J. McCarthy is hoping to upset the apple cart and work his way into that top-three debate.
The Michigan quarterback is coming off an undefeated season during which he completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He led Michigan to a national championship and was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation.
McCarthy has great mobility and the arm strength needed to be a do-it-all threat at the NFL level. The Wolverines were a run-heavy offense and didn’t ask McCarthy to do a lot, but NFL teams appear tantalized by the 21-year-old’s developmental potential for the next level.
That’s part of the reason that McCarthy’s draft stock is already rising en route to his pro day. If he can put together another strong performance in that workout Friday, he may establish himself as a top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Sporting News is tracking McCarthy’s performance at his pro day Friday. Below are the highlights from his showcase at the Michigan pro day.
NFL DRAFT 2024: SN’s latest first-round mock draft | Updated big board
J.J. McCarthy pro day live updates, highlights
(All times Eastern)
1:24 p.m. — All remains quiet on the McCarthy front at this moment in time. Eventually, we believe, there will be footballs thrown today in Ann Arbor.
12:12 p.m. — Crickets have been the soundtrack for McCarthy’s workout to this point as it seems the details and footage are being locked away with the nuclear codes. In the meantime, here is some video of the soon-to-be-former Michigan QB warming up for his pro day.
Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy getting ready for his pro day workout pic.twitter.com/7z07lqpv4s
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 22, 2024
QB J.J. McCarthy warming up for the Michigan Football Pro Day: pic.twitter.com/QpS04JtkEY
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) March 22, 2024
10:57 a.m. — The festivities are underway in Michigan, but information surrounding McCarthy’s workout is still largely a mystery.
Off and running with Michigan Pro Day 2024!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/AvxFJ468Xp
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) March 22, 2024
9:30 a.m. — As McCarthy rockets up the draft board, he’s often been connected to the Minnesota Vikings, who have a need at quarterback after seeing Kirk Cousins leave for Atlanta. Despite that, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell aren’t expected to be in attendance. The Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling says the Vikings prefer private workouts instead of the pro day.
My understanding is, the Vikings will opt for private workouts with a lot of these QBs. Gives them more opportunities to structure workouts based on what they want to evaluate. https://t.co/Z9QNN7X3NI
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 22, 2024
9 a.m. — The Wolverines set the record with 18 NFL Combine invites and now they’re prepared to host one of the largest crowds for a pro day. Representatives for many of the league’s 32 teams are on hand, preparing to get a glimpse at the National Champions. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, over 150 NFL personnel are expected to attend.
PRO-DAY UPDATE: Only fitting that national champs @UMichFootball, with record 18 Combine invitees, have biggest NFL turnout for pro-day.
Here’s list of NFL attendees who’ll be in Ann Arbor today, including former UM & current Chargers coaches Jim Harbaugh, Jesse Minter, & Ben… pic.twitter.com/ogpVnaJ35V
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 22, 2024
Will J.J. McCarthy throw at the Michigan pro day?
J.J. McCarthy is expected to throw at Michigan’s pro day.
The potential top-10 draft pick already threw at the NFL Combine, but he is trying to move up draft boards and solidify himself as a high-end pick. Thus, it makes sense for him to take advantage of every possible opportunity to impress NFL talent evaluators.
Every NFL team figures to be represented at Michigan’s pro day, as the school could see a record number of prospects selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Quarterback-needy teams are taking a particular interest in McCarthy’s big day, with the Commanders, Patriots, Giants and Vikings expected to have top personnel in attendance.
How to watch Michigan’s pro day in 2024
- Date: Friday, March 22
- Time: TBD
- Stream: NFL+
Michigan hasn’t stated at what time their 2024 pro day will begin. NFL+ will carry the event live when it does, and it is expected that McCarthy’s workout will begin shortly after the event goes on air. NFL Network will also show live coverage of the event as it happens.
MORE: Watch J.J. McCarthy’s Pro Day on NFL Network with Fubo (free trial)
J.J. McCarthy NFL Draft projection
McCarthy’s draft stock is steadily rising, and he seems to be destined for a first-round pick. He is trending toward being a top-10 selection and doesn’t seem likely to get past the three-team gauntlet of the Vikings, Broncos and Raiders at picks No. 11-13 — if he isn’t selected earlier than that.
There’s always a chance that McCarthy could be this year’s Will Levis. That may cause him to drop much further than NFL fans anticipate if what talent evaluators see doesn’t match fan perception of the quarterback.
For now, though, McCarthy looks like a top-15 selection. And if a team really falls in love with him, he could rise as high as the top five in the draft.