Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy's 2024 NFL Draft Projections

J.J. McCarthy will not be the first quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL selection on Thursday, April 25, but few prospects are more fascinating than the Michigan product.

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The veteran quarterback declared for the draft on Sunday, just days after leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national title victory over Washington.

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He brings an unquestionable winning record to the professionals, including a 27-1 record as a starter for the Wolverines over the last two seasons.

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McCarthy, however, did not outperform other prospective first-round picks such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.

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McCarthy concluded 2023 with 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions, completing an impressive 72.3% of his passes. He's also a dangerous runner, having gained 202 yards and three touchdowns while scoring ten times on the ground in college.

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Caleb Downs is one of the most recent arrivals to the transfer site, following the retirement of Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Downs may have been the finest safety in the country last year, with 70 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble

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Looking ahead, with Ohio State creating a team to contend for a national championship, the addition of Downs to the Buckeye defense would be dangerous for rival teams. OSU is also somewhat close to Indianapolis, where Caleb's brother Josh plays for the Colts.

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The Michigan head coach has yet to decide what to do, which might mean returning to Ann Arbor rather than returning to the professionals. He's already completed two interviews.

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