LeCheezus

January 22nd, 2024 at 3:24 PM ^

I really think Williams was trying to do too much this year.  He is a huge talent, and will probably rightfully go #1 overall.  

Out of the top 6 QB's, I generally think Nix and Penix should be the lowest, they have both played a ton of football already (both 6th year guys, right?), are like 24 years old and have probably already made the jump that your average 21 or 22 year old draftee would make holding the clipboard for a couple of years.  They aren't bad players, but I would venture a guess they are much closer to their ceiling already than Williams/McCarthy.

Joined: 06/11/2017

MGoPoints: 9866

blowery

January 22nd, 2024 at 2:37 PM ^

In 2023, Kiper correctly predicted only one of the 31 draftees in the first round despite updating his analysis on the morning of the NFL draft after gathering additional information.

youch. source

Joined: 01/31/2014

MGoPoints: 413

Amazinblu

January 22nd, 2024 at 2:44 PM ^

I think this draft becomes very interesting when an NFL GM calls Harbaugh and asks.. “Jim, what do you think of JJ and his potential in the NFL?”

IMO, Michigan had a defined game plan / offensive scheme to keep JJ in the pocket - and, not utilize designed runs because the impact an injury could have on the team.  JJ was nicked up in the Penn State game and wasn’t near 100% until the Rose Bowl.  JJ has played in an NFL schemed offense against an NFL schemed defense with an NFL staff.

I’m not predicting “GOAT” things for JJ - but, he will open a lot of eyes and his emotional IQ is off the charts.  The team that drafts him will pick up a steal…

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 42419

The Mayor

January 22nd, 2024 at 3:38 PM ^

Once JJ works out for scouts and the combine, he will go top 10 and no lower than the 3rd qb taken. I’d take him 2nd but I’d be called a homer so, oh well.

Joined: 10/05/2015

MGoPoints: 5348

oriental andrew

January 22nd, 2024 at 3:51 PM ^

I think top 10 is optimistic, but I think his combine and pro day workouts/interviews will really solidify his first round standing. Whether or not he actually gets drafted in R1 remains to be seen (there have been more than a few guys invited to the draft ceremony who were not selected), but chances are good.

Main knocks are his relative lack of throws and his build (listed at 6'3" and 202 lbs). That said, Bryce Young is 5'10" and 204 and Desmond Ridder is 6'4" and 202.

Average weight for the league is 212, so it would be helpful for JJ to put on at least 5lbs between now and the combine. If he shows up anywhere around 210 lbs, I think that would help his case. 

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 56548

SalvatoreQuattro

January 22nd, 2024 at 5:04 PM ^

Weaknesses Thin, inconsistent accuracy, tends to hold onto the ball too long, hasn’t shown the ability to carry a team with his arm, didn’t put up impressive numbers vs top shelf competition…still a relatively raw player.

Strengths: Excellent arm strength, can be extremely accurate, good mobility, terrific leadership skills…a winner. No character concerns.

Overall: JJ McCarthy offers an enticing package of skill and intangibles to QB needy teams. However, UM’s run focused system means that McCarthy did not have the opportunity to develop as a passer like Stroud at OSU. He should  sit a year behind a veteran QB getting bigger and learning the intricacies of the NFL passing game.

NFL comparison: Jay Cutler except without the toxic personality.

 

 

Joined: 11/30/2010

MGoPoints: 79550

whidbeywolverine

January 22nd, 2024 at 6:09 PM ^

As a Hawks fan, I think Schneider sticks with run offense with mobile game manager, accurate on the run downfield thrower.  He’s waiting to hire Mike MacDonald as HC, who will choose an OC to run an offense similar to JH ( and Carroll can still stick around in advisory/personnel capacity)

And that team will grab McCarthy in mid first round, to sit behind Drew Lock for one year, then it’s JJ time!

Joined: 04/04/2009

MGoPoints: 1267

badjuju81

January 22nd, 2024 at 6:25 PM ^

There might be as many as NINE teams (said like Ed Rooney in Ferris Beuler's Day Off) that are drafting ahead of Seattle that could take a QB:

#1: Chicago

#2: Washington

#3: New England

#8: Atlanta

#9: Chicago again

#10: New York Jets

#11: Minnesota

#12: Denver

#13: Las Vegas

I see JJ McCarthy AT WORST being the fifth QB taken, so I don't think he'll last to Seattle at #16.  I agree with other posters here that his physical, mental, and psychological tests, and his interviews, will move him up in the QB pecking order.  Do you think his hometown team will pass on him twice, in favor of Justin Fields, for example?

Joined: 07/10/2009

MGoPoints: 1450

Amazinblu

January 23rd, 2024 at 11:10 AM ^

I live in the Chicago area - and, when the topic of Caleb Williams and the Bears #1 pick comes up for discussion - the perspectives are quite varied.

Justin Fields is the Bears current starting QB.   IMO, Fields is in the "middle of the pack" as far as NFL QBs are rated - and, part of that may be because of the Bears OL which doesn't provide the level of protection "better" NFL OL's do.   And, it may also be because Fields has a ceiling - with that ceiling "good" - but not "superb".

All this conversation about Williams makes me wonder whether he's a "good" QB or "generational" as many have stated.   Personally, I think Williams is in the "good" category - I'm not sure if he's "generational".

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 42419