J.J. McCarthy continues to be featured prominently in first-round predictions for the upcoming NFL draft, with the latest forecast coming from a Big Ten analyst who observed his performance up close.
According to FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt, the Michigan quarterback is projected to be selected at No. 16 by the Seattle Seahawks, under the guidance of first-year head coach Mike Macdonald. This pairing is logical given their previous association and familiarity. Macdonald served as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator in 2021, during McCarthy’s freshman year as he ascended the team’s depth chart. Although McCarthy didn’t secure the starting position, Michigan strategically incorporated him into games, showcasing his evident talent.
Speaking on the “Joel Klatt Show” this week, Klatt emphasized Macdonald’s coaching background under John Harbaugh, then Jim Harbaugh, and again under John Harbaugh. Klatt speculated that Macdonald would aim to build a team following the Raven-Michigan model, characterized by a formidable defense with strong edges, a stout run-stopper in the middle, and versatile players in the secondary. Additionally, on the offensive front, there is an emphasis on a ground-and-pound approach with a quarterback capable of creating plays.
