Renowned analyst Mel Kiper believes JJ McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye in the upcoming NFL Draft

JJ McCarthy is the latest signal-caller paving his way to the very top of draft boards after the Combine.

Renowned analyst Mel Kiper believes JJ McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye in the upcoming NFL Draft

JJ McCarthy and Mel Kiper (Via Imago/X)

There have been a lot of debates on the top prospects of the upcoming NFL offseason. Unlike Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, who are set for the top picks, Drake Maye remained assured of his status among the top quarterbacks available in the 2024 NFL offseason. Until now! 

Maye’s standing this offseason may seem a bit threatened with the rising popularity of JJ McCarthy. And it begins with the NFL Scouting Combine. Being the top prospects, Daniels, Caleb, and Maye decided to not participate in the throwing drill or the athletic testing. But those who did came out shining at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

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Top on the list was the former Michigan star, McCarthy, who is known for winning games rather than his stats. Impressing the attendees at the Combine, McCarthy became the latest signal-caller, paving his way to the very top of draft boards. 

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If you ask Mel Kiper, he would say McCarthy is even better than Maye. In the recent episode of ESPN’s First Draft podcast, Kiper advocated for McCarthy by drawing the scenario where the odds are in his favor to overtake Maye’s draft standing in this upcoming NFL Draft. 

Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy. It's a battle, I think it is legitimate. Bottom line is, J.J. McCarthy could overtake Drake Maye.
Kiper

Even though McCarthy lacks adequate stats as compared to the top prospects, the NFL analyst Kiper believes it would work out for the 21-year-old. 

McCarthy is so smart, so tough, athletic. He almost because of what he was protected in doing — because they didn’t let him carry the offense — has benefited from that because it adds some mystery to it. 

Kiper argued.

JJ McCarthy touted as the top QB pick by Jim Harbaugh

Well, Mel Kiper isn’t the only one advocating for McCarthy. Seeing him at the Combine, his former head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his thoughts saying the former Michigan quarterback should be the first quarterback on board this upcoming draft. 

Harbaugh believes McCarthy is the greatest quarterback ever in the history of Michigan Wolverines based on his winning record of 29 out of the 30 games he played. 

JJ McCarthy with Jim Harbaugh
JJ McCarthy with Jim Harbaugh (Via Imago)

The Los Angeles Chargers’ new head coach praised McCarthy’s competitive attitude, which always works in favor of his team. He finished his college career by throwing for 6,226 yards and 27-1 as a starter.

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