5 boom-or-bust prospects the Commanders could draft in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders could draft J.J. McCarthy
- Quarterback | Michigan Wolverines
Who the Washington Commanders picked at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft was seen as a two-horse race between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye once upon a time. That is not the case anymore.
J.J. McCarthy is gaining significant momentum at the perfect stage of the evaluation process. The national college football championship winner at Michigan has seen his stock soar among NFL personnel despite being part of a run-heavy offense with the Wolverines. However, there's a growing sense that his intangibles are going to take the league by storm providing his transition goes smoothly.
McCarthy navigates the pocket well. He's got outstanding velocity on his sideline throws and seems to work well either within a structure or off-script. As a leader, the prospect is someone others follow willingly. This is a key trait general manager Adam Peters is looking for in Washington's future franchise quarterback.
While all this is no doubt positive, McCarthy brings feast or famine potential to the pros. His ball placement is sometimes suspect, especially regarding passes where extra touch is required. There's also room for growth regarding pre-snap recognition, which will be even more complex with NFL defensive schematics.
The signal-caller also looks a little rigid on his dropbacks and needs refinement to go through progressions with more efficiency. If the Commanders go down this route with McCarthy, they must be convinced his potential problems can be rectified under their accomplished coaching staff.
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