With the 2024 NFL Draft underway, the first round seen high draft picks be selected on Thursday night. Quarterbacks are the first to likely be chosen for professional teams when the draft begins. Players such as Michael Penix Jr, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and JJ McCarthy. The former Michigan quarterback was selected as the 10th pick overall in Detroit last night.
There had been speculation in regards to where the highly touted prospect would end up as specific teams were in need of a quarterback. McCarthy was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings and will be a part of the NFC North division this upcoming season.
Former Michigan QB Picked 10th Overall in NFL Draft
JJ McCarthy brought the Michigan Wolverines their first national championship in 26 years in 2023. He led his former college team to a perfect season at 15-0. His main goal was to reach the National Football League. McCarthy threw for a total of 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions in their title run.
After getting to the College Football Playoffs in the previous two seasons, Michigan was finally able to win a ring.
J.J. McCarthy Makes Michigan History
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In the first round on Monday night, JJ McCarthy became the highest drafted quarterback to come out of Michigan. He even surpassed his former collegiate head coach Jim Harbaugh. The former Wolverines head man left for the NFL to coach the LA Chargers in 2024. Harbaugh also played for the Michigan Wolverines in the early 80’s at the quarterback position.
Jim Harbaugh was selected in the first round at number 26. He was drafted to the San Diego Chargers back in 1987. It has been a while since a Michigan QB has been drafted in the National Football League. Coincidentally, these two former Wolverines just won a national title together in Ann Arbor.
Minnesota Trades Up To Get Their QB
In order to acquire JJ McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings gave the Jets a 11th round, fourth round, and a fifth round pick. This happens to be how they were able to pick the former Michigan guy at number 10 overall. Sam Darnold will likely take the reigns to start out the 2024 NFL season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will not want to rush putting the new rookie into the mix too soon.
Sam Darnold already has years of experience in the league. Rookie QB JJ McCarthy will have great veteran leadership to help him learn the ropes in the upcoming year. With the trade moves that were made, the Vikings were able to pursue their future man under center. Rookie seasons are always an adjustment for new players.
JJ McCarthy put up good numbers in his final season at Michigan. Making throws when they were needed gave Michigan their chance. One aspect that former players have spoken about was that playing in Ann Arbor prepared them for the next level of success.
Michigan has had the most players selected in the NFL Draft, more than any other college program. The NFL Draft is far from over, as rounds two and three will continue throughout tonight and Saturday in Detroit, Michigan. There are more Wolverines to be selected, including former offensive linemen, wide receivers, and running backs.
McCarthy will be missed in the winged helmet. But now is his time to shine in the NFL. Many players hope to have long-lasting careers. Winning a national title boosted his stock as he got picked in the top 10 on Thursday night. As he made history in college, fans hope that he can make more memories as his career kicks off in the professional ranks in September as a first-year player and for years to come.
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James has been a sportswriter for two years. He is a close follower of college sports, the NFL, and MLB—a fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Green Bay Packers, and the Atlanta Braves. He is a substitute teacher for grades 9–12 and has enjoyed his time helping students learn in the classroom over the last eight years. Follow me on Twitter/X (@michfan20).
