NFL Implications of Title Game for Penix and JJ
Saw this article from Charles Robinson (Yahoo Sports) about the NFL implications of the championship game for both the starting quarterbacks.
Overall take for JJ is interesting and has my full endorsement.
"The general theme of the assessments is an agreement that McCarthy got notably better and more consistent from 2022 to 2023. But there was also an overwhelming belief that he could still take advantage of another year in college."
https://sports.yahoo.com/cfp-national-championship-sets-up-important-du…
January 5th, 2024 at 9:39 PM ^
Harbaugh said JJ is NFL ready. Who are we to argue?
January 5th, 2024 at 10:36 PM ^
I also believe JJ needs the additional year to put together a resume and an understanding of competing as a polished passer for a full season. Don't think scouts won't notice that he largely spent third and fourth quarters on the bench for most of the season through no fault of his own. Next year with a tougher slate he will have lots of complete games and tons of great college reps under his belt and scouts and teams will see him work a true competitive season-long grind. Not a simple vacation tour package of inferior big ten schools.
In addition, this QB class is already one of the deepest I can recall with legit talents. With another year of experience and a less hyped QB class he has the opportunity to move his draft stock from 1st-2nd round wild card who knows where and when pick to a certain top 5 selection.
January 5th, 2024 at 10:38 PM ^
JJ is too short and skinny for the NFL this year. With another year of growing 4 inches and adding 80 lbs he is going #1 overall in 15 months.
January 6th, 2024 at 6:57 AM ^
IMHO (and I hate to say it), JJ would be best served to go to the NFL, particularly if we win Monday and he plays well.
By staying he risks two things: 1. Injury. 2. A team next year without quite the same level of talent as this year's team, which could prove a bit frustrating.
We shall see...
January 6th, 2024 at 9:18 AM ^
One more year for JJ could do wonders for his draft stock, although there is merit to going early as well. For some reference, Harbaugh wasn’t afraid at Stanford to let Andrew Luck air it out some. His last season Luck threw it 31 times a game with a completion percentage of 71% and 37 TDs. He ended up going number 1 in that year’s draft.
For JJ:
Pros of going early - Closer to the second contract (more $$$ sooner), If drafted in the middle to late 1st has a chance of going to a better team right away, much less chance of any injury hurting his draft stock.
Pros of staying in college - Showing out more for next draft which could lead to possible #1 draft position, Higher initial contract that could easily offset the earlier 2nd contract $$$ by going early, chance to become not just a Michigan legend but a CFB legend with two potential national championships and overall 43-1 starting record.
Id support him either way he decided but the Michigan fan in me would love to see him return.