NFL Scout: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy ‘Looks Like a Stretched-out Bryce Young’
JJ McCarthy #JJMcCarthy
Ahead of Monday night’s national championship game between Michigan and Washington, Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy drew a comparison to the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
An AFC college scouting director told Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer that McCarthy’s 6’2″, 202-pound frame is reminiscent of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
“I get taken aback by seeing him in person because he’s so slight,” the scouting director said. “He looks like a stretched-out Bryce Young. Now, that said, he’s as tough and competitive as they come.”
The comparison to Young is unlikely to do McCarthy any favors, as the former Alabama star struggled mightily in his rookie season in the NFL and was out-played by multiple quarterbacks in his draft class.
In B/R’s latest draft big board, McCarthy is ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the 2024 class. B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen expressed some concern over McCarthy’s build, writing, “At 202 pounds, McCarthy is terribly light for the position, which is especially concerning for someone who isn’t a special athlete.”
McCarthy will have the chance to silence his doubters on Monday as he tries to lead Michigan to its first national championship since 1997.