NFC East team, Washington Commanders emerge as favorites to sign Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy in this year’s NFL Draft. According to a report, some NFL executives believe Commanders General Manager Adam Peters will pick J.J. McCarthy with the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft. There’s no doubt now that Caleb Williams will head to the Bears with the No. 1 pick so the next selection could surprise many talking heads throughout the league. It’s a mystery of who the Commanders may select after rumors of Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye being in the mix.
This is just one perspective as Mike Garofolo said other teams think Washington is locking in on Daniels. The thing is that no one knows until they obviously make their draft pick so it’s a speculation game. McCarthy is fresh off a national championship win with the Wolverines alongside new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the 21-year-old signal-caller met not only the Commanders but also the Seahawks and Patriots ahead of his Pro Day.
Washington is entering a new era this 2024 season with Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn. The team went 4-13 last season and traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks which appears they’re zeroing on a quarterback in this year’s draft. The Commanders recently signed Marcus Mariota as insurance at the start of free agency. He’s obviously showing something that the Commanders like which could turn them as favorites to sign McCarthy.
Last season, McCarthy notched 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while leading the Wolverines to a national championship. He doesn’t have the same numbers as other quarterback prospects but he’s still showing Washington something they like.
WOW… The #Commanders will DRAFT J.J. McCarthy with the 2nd overall pick, the belief amongst executives who know general manager Adam Peters said.
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(Via NFL Network) pic.twitter.com/syagnAaFc5
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 25, 2024
NFC East Team Washington Commanders Emerge as Favorites to Sign Michigan Quarterback J.J. McCarthy
His Draft Rising Stock Is Generating Buzz around the League
It seems like Daniels was always the name that Washington would eventually select with the No. 2 pick. However, after a twist, it looks like McCarthy is generating some buzz across the draft’s board. After being a top 15 pick to now a top three, the Michigan product continues to soar high in terms of draft stock. He was the backbone of the Wolverines after playing a pivotal role in achieving a 15-0 winning streak and winning a championship under the program.
He was one of the best NCAA quarterbacks thanks to Harbaugh’s guidance before both of them decided to move on to the NFL. However, Harbaugh’s comments are helping McCarthy to this day as the draft is coming up next month. Earlier, he was predicted to be a top 10 pick with his number six being the most probable position.
“The workout that J.J. had, I’ve been to a lot of Pro Day workouts and watched quarterbacks throw. That’s the best I’ve ever seen a quarterback do at a pro day,” Harbaugh said.
All Eyes on McCarthy Now
It seems like the buzz after Harbaugh’s words is heightening the buzz around McCarthy’s stock across the league. McCarthy usually tries to steer away from media attention, but he’s been noticing the buzz attention he’s been getting.
“I’m a pretty unique guy when it comes to the quarterback position with the meditation and all that. Teams are gravitating toward that, it seems. With all this added pressure that comes with being a franchise quarterback and being drafted and all that, it just brings me back to my roots,” he said.
All eyes are on McCarthy as he’s making waves across conversations and more buzz may continue days before the Draft. It’s no surprise the Commanders are favorites to sign McCarthy in this year’s draft.
