TRENDING: Former NFL GM Claims 2023 Beloved Michigan Football Star J.J. McCarthy Could Have Posted Heisman Caliber Numbers At LSU Last Season
Former Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy is regarded highly by one former NFL general manager, who suggests he’s of Heisman caliber. Mike Tannenbaum, a former executive of the New York Jets, commended McCarthy on ESPN’s Get Up show, emphasizing that McCarthy’s abilities transcend his statistical achievements at Michigan. Tannenbaum expressed that if McCarthy had played for LSU Tigers, where another highly ranked draft prospect, Jayden Daniels, hails from, he could have produced numbers worthy of the Heisman. McCarthy, alongside North Carolina’s Drake Maye and Daniels, is considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the upcoming NFL draft in April, with USC’s Caleb Williams being the consensus top pick.
Mike Tannenbaum: Sings the Praises of Former Michigan Football QB J.J. McCarthy
Tannenbaum openly expressed his belief that former Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy has the potential to lead an NFL team for the next decade. During a segment on the ESPN morning show Get Up, Tannenbaum spoke highly of McCarthy in comparison to other top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, particularly LSU’s Jayden Daniels.
He highlighted McCarthy’s ability to win games, recalling a specific instance from 2022 when McCarthy orchestrated a game-winning drive against Illinois despite adverse weather conditions. Tannenbaum emphasized McCarthy’s winning mentality, his versatility in making plays both with his feet and through passing, and his capability to draw pass interference penalties. He speculated on how McCarthy’s statistics might have been if he had played for LSU, suggesting they would have been comparable to Jayden Daniels’. Tannenbaum concluded by praising McCarthy’s comprehensive skill set, noting his ability to execute every throw with anticipation and strong arm strength, as demonstrated in his workouts.
Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum believes J.J. McCarthy could’ve put up Jayden Daniels numbers if he was at LSU last season👀
"…If he had played for LSU. What would his stats look like?
They’d look a lot closer to Jayden Daniels. If Jayden Daniels was at Michigan, his stats… pic.twitter.com/7RV89Diyxo
— On3 (@On3sports) March 4, 2024
Tannenbaum holds the view that if J.J. McCarthy and Jayden Daniels were to switch positions, their respective statistics wouldn’t necessarily mirror each other. McCarthy notably led the Michigan football team to victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they defeated the Washington Huskies with a score of 34-13. Throughout the season, McCarthy recorded 2,991 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Additionally, he showcased his rushing ability, accumulating 202 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
On the other hand, Daniels had an impressive season, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He boasted a completion rate of 72% and also displayed his prowess as a rusher, amassing 1,134 yards and ten touchdowns, ultimately securing a Heisman Trophy win. However, despite Daniels’ individual success, LSU finished the season with a record of 10-3.
Daniels vs. McCarthy: Top Quarterback Prospects for 2024 NFL Draft
Jayden Daniels of LSU and J.J. McCarthy of Michigan are highly likely to be chosen in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. In NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, Daniels is projected to be selected by the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick, while McCarthy is slated to be picked by the Atlanta Falcons with the eighth pick. In this scenario, both Daniels and McCarthy are expected to be Week 1 starters for their respective teams.