Where J.J. McCarthy ranks in updated Mel Kiper Jr. mock draft before NFL combine

Photo: Isaiah Hole

It’s been something of a point of contention across those who participate in evaluating the impending 2024 NFL draft class: how high will former Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy be selected? Just about a month ago, McCarthy was seen as a potential first-round pick, but now, he’s been slated as high as in the top 10.

ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. isn’t there yet, but he has moved McCarthy up his draft board. (subscription required) He had McCarthy previously slated at No. 16 to the Seattle Seahawks, but he’s since moved him up four spots, expecting him to get picked by the Denver Broncos.

12. Denver Broncos – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan Wolverines

I’m following my co-workers and slotting in a quarterback to the Broncos. Why? This might be their only chance to add a high-ceiling signal-caller prospect this offseason — and not mortgage their future to do it. They’re almost certainly going to cut Russell Wilson, leaving a void on the depth chart. They don’t have the cap space to try to add a veteran. Moving up from No. 12 might require a future first-rounder that would hamper them down the road. So why not take a shot on McCarthy?

Look, this would be a reach by my rankings, but I could see why a team in the top 15 would talk itself into McCarthy. He has an intriguing skill set as a passer. He will test extremely well during combine workouts and impress coaches and front office execs in interviews. He wasn’t asked to carry the Wolverines with his arm the past two seasons, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t do it. Sure, McCarthy needs some refinement, but Sean Payton could get the best out of him in Denver.

Certainly, much of the bearishness could change in the coming days, once McCarthy finally gets an opportunity to show the NFL draft world what it’s been missing when he participates in the NFL scouting combine. Kiper is very much looking forward to seeing how McCarthy tests out, but is still bearish that he’ll move up much or that he could usurp any of the other three quarterbacks who appear to be slated ahead of him.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Where J.J. McCarthy ranks in updated Mel Kiper Jr. mock draft before NFL combine