Former NFL GM explains controversial J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels draft rankings

Perhaps the most controversial 2024 NFL Draft take shared by former general manager Randy Mueller of The Athletic was Mueller ranking J.J. McCarthy second among quarterback prospects behind only Caleb Williams and ahead of Jayden Daniels. 

"His traits might not be evident in his production numbers, but they show up under a microscope," Mueller said about McCarthy. "As a result, many are struggling to catch up to what the NFL has known for a couple of months. The NFL is a third-down league, and nobody had better numbers on the money down than McCarthy." 

Adam Jahns of The Athletic noted that McCarthy completed 42-of-57 pass attempts (73.5%) for 615 yards with a 193.26 passer rating during the 2023 regular season. Over those outings, McCarthy went 27-of-35 (75.8%) for 447 yards with 24 first downs or touchdowns (five) "in situations of third-and-seven yards or more." 

Mueller also noted that McCarthy "has displayed physical arm strength and accuracy, just not in the volume the other top quarterback prospects have compiled." That lack of volume is a big reason analysts such as NFL Network's Brian Baldinger and New York Giants legend Tiki Barber have warned teams such as the Giants and Minnesota Vikings about possibly trading up to land McCarthy. 

Meanwhile, many within the NFL community remain convinced the Washington Commanders will draft Daniels over McCarthy with the second overall pick. Mueller acknowledged on Monday that one "could easily talk me into reversing McCarthy and Daniels depending on the scheme and how it fits with each player’s strengths." Mueller also compared Daniels to Houston Texans quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. 

The New England Patriots hold the draft's third pick and may select the top available quarterback on their draft board out of Daniels, McCarthy and Drake Maye. 

Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky of ESPN have named Daniels and not Williams the best quarterback in this year's draft. As of Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Daniels as the betting favorite at -240 odds to be the draft's second pick. Most expect the Chicago Bears will select Williams first overall.