JJ McCarthy

Overview
Enigmatic quarterback lacking the measurables and splash throws associated with early round quarterbacks but possessing elements that require more study and consideration. McCarthy lacks frame thickness and a plus arm. He’s fairly poised in the pocket but is average as a pocket passer. His ball placement and timing need to improve to help mitigate an average operation time due to a windup release. McCarthy doesn’t seek to play out of structure but is fairly consistent at making positive plays when it happens and ramps up his focus late in games and on third downs. He is confident and seems to have the ability to take slights and digest it as competitive fuel. McCarthy should continue to improve as a passer, but he fails to stand out in many of the areas that tend to be predictive of top-level success in the NFL.

Strengths
Plays with a chip on his shoulder and intensifies focus when needed.
Plenty of experience working under center in pro-style passing scheme.
Won’t hesitate to slide and find new launch points when pressure builds.
Adequate ability to locate throwing windows versus zone.
Makes drive throws between defenders with good decisiveness.
Delivers the ball smoothly on rollouts and in scramble mode.
One of the draft’s most efficient quarterbacks operating out of structure.
Toughness to deliver throws when taking a hit and squeeze out extra yards as runner.

Weaknesses
Sluggish getting through progressions and can get stuck on first read.
Modest arm strength might be magnified by windup in his delivery.
Ball placement on tape belies completion percentage on the stat sheet.
Leaves throws behind moving targets, allowing defenders to challenge catches.
Deep balls need to come out quicker and with more air under them.
Timing improved during the season but still crowds receivers to coverage.
Average escapability as a runner when scrambling.