The Raiders will probably have to consider their second-tier alternatives if they want a quarterback. J.J. McCarthy of Michigan might be the best quarterback prospect in the second round. Josh Edwards of CBS Sports predicts that McCarthy will be selected by Las Vegas with the No. 13 pick.
In a mock draft dated January 27, Edwards said, “After starting Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell last season, Las Vegas is moving in another direction.” “J.J. McCarthy is a talent who can show his potential well, and he should benefit from the pre-draft process.”
McCarthy is young and has a lot of potential; he recently turned 21. He wasn’t asked to do much, though, as he never threw for more than 3,000 yards in a season for Michigan. McCarthy has only lost one start in his time at Michigan, but he still needs to improve if he wants to be a consistent starter in the NFL.
J.J. McCarthy Is Athletically Fit
Despite his impressive height of 6-foot-3, J.J. McCarthy weighs just 202 pounds and has a lean build. It remains to be seen if his physique can withstand impacts on par with those in the NFL because he didn’t take many hits while at Michigan.
Aside from that, he possesses a wealth of athletic attributes that make him a desirable prospect. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings outlined McCarthy’s strong points.
McCarthy’s profile is buoyant in the early rounds due to his outstanding physical foundation, according to Cummings’ scouting report from January 8. “Despite having a little frame, he is an elite athlete and creator with incredibly flexible and loose arms.
“He has the ease of velocity and angle freedom to make all the throws, and as a thrower, he has the combination of evasive ability, flexibility, and off-platform torque to increase the options with him on the field.”
McCarthy would be a major shift for the Raiders, who haven’t had a quarterback capable of making plays with his legs in a long time. McCarthy might be selected in the second round as the draft approaches, which would allow Las Vegas to hold off on acquiring him. It is preferable to select the former Michigan standout in the second round as opposed to selecting him with the No. 13 pick.
J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix?
J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. of Washington, and Bo Nix of Oregon are among the quarterback prospects in the second tier. At 23, Nix and Penix are both a little older than most quarterback prospects. Compared to Nix and Penix, who are probably ready to play as rookies, McCarthy has greater potential but will require more time to develop.
Penix’s history of injuries makes him frightening, although he was a very effective collegiate athlete. Though he isn’t a perfect prospect, Nix has amazing attributes. The Raiders lack a reliable, experienced quarterback to provide room for someone like McCarthy to grow. Thus, in the near run, Nix and Penix might make more sense. Depending on what new general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Antonio Pierce are searching for.
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