J.J. McCarthy's stock has consistently risen ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he's garnered all the praise that goes with it.

Among the latest top commend McCarthy is Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, who says he "doesn't know why" the former Michigan quarterback is not considered to be one of the top three quarterbacks available for the taking.

This is in reference to the fact most have Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels as the top prospects at the position.

“I wouldn’t even put them in the next group of guys because there’s some people that probably see them as No. 2 or No. 3,” Pierce said during his March 25 media availability. 

“We don’t know everybody’s board. I think it’s a very talented group. We interviewed most of those guys at the Combine. We had great conversations with them. J.J. McCarthy, you’re talking about a national champion, a winner. So, I don’t know how he’s not in the top three.”

With comments like those, it seems clear the Raiders would be interested in taking McCarthy, something that barring an absolute anomaly, is going to require trading up above the No. 13 spot Las Vegas currently holds. 

The question that remains now is if the Raiders can even trade up highly enough to guarantee they'll be able to grab McCarthy with the impeccable way the pre-draft process has gone for him. 

McCarthy has impressed scouts as a prospect with not only his ability to manage the game as he executed the Michigan offense with ease, but with what he brings to the table to do so much more than that.

In addition to his ability to move the chains, McCarthy also possesses a Howitzer for an arm with the velocity to give his receivers a chance when throwing the ball into tight windows.

He has solid timing on routes with his receivers, strong anticipation, soundness mechanically and a high football IQ.

McCarthy finished out the 2023 season with a 72.3% completion rate, tossing for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His time at Michigan concludes with a 67.6% completion rate, 6,226 passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over three seasons.

Whether the Raiders attempt to move up in the draft order or opt for a prospect like Oregon's Bo Nix or Washington's Michael Penix Jr. will remain to be seen.