J.J. McCarthy landing spots: Ranking best fits for Michigan's QB ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

J.J. McCarthy landing spots: Ranking best fits for Michigan’s QB ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

The starting quarterback of the 2023 College Football Playoff national champion Michigan Wolverines is headed to the NFL, and J.J. McCarthy is even expected to be a first-round pick. The former four-star recruit went 27-1 as the starter at Michigan, which is good enough for third-best by any quarterback in FBS history.

In 40 total games played at Michigan, McCarthy threw 49 touchdowns compared to just 11 interceptions. While the Wolverines were the best team in college football this year, the offense didn’t exactly run through McCarthy. His 2,991 passing yards ranked 35th in the country, and he attempted just 18 passes in the championship win over Washington. While he didn’t put up gaudy numbers like Michael Penix Jr., could McCarthy have a bright future at the next level?

Let’s take a look at the five best potential landing spots for McCarthy. These are not the most likely landing spots, but the best “fits” for the Michigan quarterback.

5. Seattle Seahawks

How about reuniting Mike Macdonald with his former college quarterback? It’s true that Macdonald and McCarthy were together for just one year, but you have to think that the new youngest head coach in the NFL is going to attempt to build a team in Seattle that looks similar to what the Wolverines were in 2023. Play incredible defense, and run the football.

McCarthy would not start immediately in Seattle with Geno Smith still QB1, but maybe that’s a good thing. McCarthy just turned 21 years old, so sitting for a bit and learning under Smith while Macdonald builds his team/culture would be beneficial.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins is a free agent, but the Vikings should be in the quarterback market even if he does end up returning to the fold. Cousins turns 36 in August and is of course coming off a torn Achilles. The Vikings are an attractive landing spot for any young quarterback. You get to play indoors with the offensive-minded former quarterback Kevin O’Connell crafting his game plan toward you. Plus, you get Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson to throw the ball to. It’s a favorable situation for a young player, even if you have to sit behind Cousins for a couple years.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator makes me think McCarthy could be a good fit in Pittsburgh. Some view Smith as an offensive coach who couldn’t get the most out of his top weapons in Atlanta, but what we do know about Smith is that he can build a legitimate rushing attack. The Atlanta Falcons’ ground game ranked ninth last year, and third in 2022. During his time as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, Smith’s rushing attack ranked No. 2 in the league in 2020, and No. 3 in 2019.

McCarthy benefitted from a good defense and a rushing attack — which Pittsburgh will surely have with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Getting to throw the ball to playmakers like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth would be fun, too.

2. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL in Matthew Stafford, but he’s dealt with injuries in each of the last five years. The Rams acquired an intriguing backup last year in Stetson Bennett, but he has been away from the team for quite some time now due to unknown reasons. The Rams should be a team that explores adding a quarterback this offseason, and Sean McVay is one of the top coaches any quarterback should want to work with.

This Rams offense was deadly when Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were all on the field together this past season. L.A. averaged 28.5 points per game and 398.9 yards of total offense per game while going 6-2 with that “big four” sharing the field. McVay knows how to scheme on offense, and how to get the most out of his quarterbacks.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons would be a top landing spot for McCarthy since he would likely start right away, but it’s an attractive destination for more reasons than that. It’s the beginning of a new era in Atlanta, one where McVay disciple Zac Robinson takes over on the offensive side of the ball. There’s reason to be optimistic, especially since the Falcons have several talented playmakers such as Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts ready to take that next step. McCarthy would benefit from the top 10 rushing offense that the Falcons have, as Tyler Allgeier and Bijan would be his new “Blake Corum,” if you will.

McCarthy could hit the ground running in the worst division in the NFL. Atlanta is very much a sneaky good landing spot.