JJ McCarthy has not yet confirmed his plans for 2024, but his stock for the 2024 NFL Draft is at a major level coming out of Michigan’s national title.

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid released an updated mock for the 2024 Draft. At the top, Reid has a run on QBs in the draft while McCarthy is not far behind.

In fact, Reid had McCarthy going No. 12 overall to the Denver Broncos. If that scenario were to play out, McCarthy would be the 4th QB selected behind Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Each of those players is expected to go No.’s 1-3.

The move would also team McCarthy with head coach Sean Payton who could be looking for a new starter if the team releases Russell Wilson. Here’s what Reid had to say about the selection:

Russell Wilson could be released before the start of the new league year, which would leave coach Sean Payton in search of a young QB to mold in his offense. The Broncos might sign an experienced veteran, but McCarthy has some traits we’ve seen Payton gravitate toward in the past: The Wolverines star is an instinctive and accurate passer who makes plays to win games. He has really good ball placement, hitting 72.3% of his throws this season. Scouts have mixed opinions on McCarthy — mainly surrounding his role in Michigan’s run-heavy scheme — and he’s no lock to go on Day 1, but he has the chance to be a solid NFL starter.

McCarthy certainly can return for the 2024 season with Michigan faithful greeting the title-winning QB with chants of “one more year” upon his return to Ann Arbor. While opinions on McCarthy are mixed, he is a 2-year starter for the Wolverines with over 6,200 career yards and 49 passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He is also a threat with his legs and could be fit for the modern era of the NFL with more mobile QBs thriving.

Impact of JJ McCarthy’s potential departure

If McCarthy were to leave for the NFL, it would leave the Wolverines without an experienced contributor at QB. Alex Orji has been praised for his physical tools, but he has thrown just one pass with most of his work utilized in rushing scenarios.

The Wolverines did sign 4-star QB Jadyn Davis in the 2024 recruiting class (The nation’s No. 7 QB per the 247 Sports Composite), but it’s also unlikely the Wolverines would roll out a true freshman to open the season.

Expect the program to look for the transfer portal in the spring if McCarthy leaves and the Wolverines are in search of a starter.