J.J. McCarthy reportedly top QB target for Washington Commanders at second overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft
J.J. McCarthy has risen up projected NFL Draft boards faster than perhaps any other player in the history of the game. As I've outlined over the past month, McCarthy quickly rose from likely day two pick to early first round lock in a matter of just a few days. But since then he's risen even […]
J.J. McCarthy has risen up projected NFL Draft boards faster than perhaps any other player in the history of the game. As I've outlined over the past month, McCarthy quickly rose from likely day two pick to early first round lock in a matter of just a few days. But since then he's risen even higher! And after today's news he's projected to go almost as high as anyone can go in the NFL Draft.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network dropped an absolute bombshell Monday afternoon on what he's heard the Commanders will be doing with their second overall selection:
"I've had conversations here with executives who know Adam Peters well…the most popular answer for what they do at number two was J.J. McCarthy."
If J.J. McCarthy does indeed end up going second overall to the Commanders that would be one of the wildest rises in perceived NFL Draft stock ever. We are just two months removed from top NFL Draft analysts calling McCarthy a game manager, talking through how Michigan's offense had to "hide" him and make up for his deficiencies. Now he's worthy of the second overall pick?
That's quite the turnaround in consensus perception for McCarthy. But does the pick actually make sense? In short, the answer is yes.
J.J. McCarthy didn't have the most impressive raw volume stats at any point in his career, but his efficiency was always incredible. Last fall he finished second in completion rate, fifth in passer rating, third in total QBR, fourth in total adjusted net yards per pass attempt, and fourth in EPA per play. By most every meaningful metric he was a top five quarterback in all of college football last fall.
When we account for the fact that McCarthy was producing like he was in just his third year of college at the age of 20 it's even more impressive. McCarthy's age-adjusted passing metrics are second to only Caleb Williams in this NFL Draft class. If the Commanders do end up selecting him it may seem like a reach to some, but not to those familiar with what makes quarterback prospects succeed at the next level.
Be looking for more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports in the coming weeks! Be sure to follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest news!
