5 quarterbacks Packers can draft to replace Jordan Love
3. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
If the Packers miss out on a top-five pick, which will likely be required to select Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, their best option could be Michigan's J.J. McCarthy.
He is quickly solidifying his spot as a top-10 draft pick. In eight games for Michigan this season, McCarthy has completed an unbelievable 78.1 percent of his passes for 1,799 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.
Where JJ McCarthy ranks among FBS quarterbacks:
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) October 22, 2023
- No. 1 in QBR (93.7)
- No. 1 in Pro Football Focus grade (92.6)
- No. 2 in NFL passer rating (139.4)
- No. 2 in passer efficiency rating (199.1)
- No. 2 in completion percentage (78.1 percent)
- No. 2 in yards per attempt (10.6)
McCarthy has displayed tremendous accuracy, making some throws Aaron Rodgers would be proud of. The main concern is that McCarthy would likely benefit from some time to develop before starting in the NFL. He is only 20 years old. It's a shame Rodgers isn't still around in Green Bay.
But it's easy to see his upside as an NFL starter.
"McCarthy is an athletic QB that can create off-script and be used in designed QB reads. McCarthy's arm talent is evident on middle-of-the-field drive throws and down the field," writes The Draft Network's Damian Parson, who has McCarthy going fifth in his latest mock draft.
McCarthy could be the perfect choice if the Packers land a top-10 pick but not one of the top three. He has the ability to become an excellent starter.