Robert Griffin III has emerged as a vocal advocate for J.J. McCarthy amidst the fervent anticipation leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite the Michigan Wolverines’ national title-winning quarterback showcasing remarkable skills, McCarthy has encountered skepticism regarding his draft prospects. Griffin, however, passionately supports McCarthy, highlighting his preparedness and promising future in the professional arena.
Robert Griffin’s Strong Endorsement
“It’s all about winning games, and that’s what he does best,” Griffin stated, countering the criticism aimed at McCarthy‘s game tape. Critics argue that the footage does not justify a top-five, let alone a first-round pick.
However, Griffin points out the unique circumstances of McCarthy’s college career under a system that demanded less, masking his full capabilities. “He has all of the same skills as the rest of the guys in this draft class… JJ has all those things. He just wasn’t asked to do them,” Griffin explained.
J.J. McCarthy’s College Career: A Testament to His NFL Readiness
Under the coaching of Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy was trained in an NFL-style environment, which is a significant draw for NFL executives looking at potential. Griffin added, “Michigan didn’t ask him to do that. They asked him to make the right decisions, win football games and he’s been in the NFL style environment with Jim Harbaugh being his head coach and I think executives love that about him and they can see his potential moving forward.”
It’s only Robert Griffin III days until the 2024 NFL Draft 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/B7HnaFm4bi
— brandon (@DrakeMayeMVP) April 15, 2024
Stellar Performance and Intangibles
Throughout his tenure at Michigan, McCarthy showcased not only his strong arm and tactical acumen but also intangibles like leadership and poise.
With a record of 27-1 as a college starter, and having led his team to a national championship in 2023 with 2,991 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, his statistics speak volumes. Beyond the numbers, his athleticism and footwork also continue to impress scouts across the league.
New England Patriots Show Interest in J.J. McCarthy
As the draft nears, McCarthy’s engagement with NFL teams is ramping up. Notably, the New England Patriots, holding the No. 3 overall pick, hosted him for dinner, a move reported by journalists Christopher Price and Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe. “It went amazing,” McCarthy said regarding his interaction with the Patriots. “Coach Mayo was just an awesome guy, asking great questions.”
This meeting comes at a crucial time as the Patriots look to build a strong foundation post-Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. McCarthy’s potential addition could be a cornerstone in the new era under Coach Jerod Mayo.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the debate around J.J.’s potential will likely intensify. Yet, with endorsements from seasoned players like Robert Griffin III and evident interest from top NFL teams, McCarthy’s transition to the professional stage seems not only inevitable but also highly anticipated. His track record of success, both in statistics and intangibles, makes him a prime candidate to watch as draft day approaches.
Source: Sportskeeda
