The buzz surrounding Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft continues to grow as experts project him to be a top pick. Initially considered a late first-round selection, McCarthy now finds himself consistently ranked in the top ten of mock drafts, with some even speculating he could be the third quarterback off the board.

McCarthy's impressive showing during the NFL Combine, particularly in comparison to other quarterbacks, has further bolstered his stock. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported rumors suggesting McCarthy could go within the top ten picks, and SNY's Connor Hughes believes there is a strong possibility that the New York Giants will select McCarthy at No. 6.

The Giants' potential interest in McCarthy stems from the opportunity to groom him behind current quarterback Daniel Jones before taking the reins in 2025. While Jones is still on the roster, the team could utilize an option in his contract that allows them to avoid guaranteeing his money in the following years. This makes the prospect of adding McCarthy particularly enticing for the Giants as they look to rebuild.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah even suggested that McCarthy's stock could potentially rise as high as the third overall pick. He also mentioned that teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos, who hold picks in the 8-12 range, would also consider McCarthy as a potential candidate.

Mel Kiper Jr., an esteemed ESPN draft analyst, acknowledged that there is a close competition between McCarthy and Drake Maye for the title of QB3 in the draft. While he currently has McCarthy ranked at No. 12, Kiper acknowledges that McCarthy has the potential to overtake Maye.

The discourse surrounding McCarthy's draft prospects has been captivating. His skill set embodies the traits of an above-average NFL quarterback, demonstrating aggressiveness in the middle of the field, accuracy, and arm strength. Moreover, McCarthy's athleticism allows for versatility in executing plays like the zone read or rollouts.

However, analysts have noted inconsistencies in McCarthy's footwork and decision-making process when adapting his game to the NFL level. Additionally, critics point out that his limited passing opportunities at Michigan may hinder evaluations of his proficiency in executing NFL-caliber throws.

Despite these concerns, McCarthy's projection remains a key aspect of his value in the NFL. While he may not be an immediate superstar, he possesses the potential to develop into a solid NFL quarterback with the right guidance and opportunities.

As the NFL Draft draws closer, rumors surrounding McCarthy are expected to intensify. With several teams in need of a quarterback and the market for Justin Fields appearing to dwindle, McCarthy's stock could rise based on the demand for quarterbacks and the attractive fifth-year option associated with them. The speculation over which team will ultimately secure McCarthy's talents only adds to the excitement of the draft process.