Kris Jenkins explains what separates J.J. McCarthy, says athleticism 'can compare' to Michael Vick, Patrick Mahomes

One of the more intriguing prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy showed the skillset of a first-round pick during the pre-draft process. He impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine in March and continues to be a projected top-15 pick in mock drafts.

Kris Jenkins got a close look at McCarthy the last three years at Michigan – on the other side of the ball, of course. Jenkins went up against his quarterback in practice and saw the skills scouts are raving about first-hand as the Wolverines made a run to the national championship.

The question of where McCarthy will go is an interesting one. But Jenkins, speaking exclusively with On3 on Thursday, held up five fingers when asked about that subject. He then broke down what makes McCarthy stand out beyond the physical traits, which Jenkins said could resemble some of “the greats.”

“What separates him, not only that athleticism – you can do all these comparisons to the greats, like, he has that athleticism. Like Mike Vick, Pat Mahomes, the escapability, the accuracy, the strength. But really, what separates him is his character, is his drive, his leadership skills and his motivation,” Jenkins said via Zoom. “That’s really the guy that we got to see in practice. Not only is he willing to do whatever for the team, he’s a humble guy, he’s a great teammate to be around.

“He loves to compete, he loves to get better and he doesn’t stop at getting better every single day. And that’s what we loved getting out of that cat. So whoever gets him, you’re getting a true football player. That’s a true, old-school football player – a man about business.”

Michigan’s defense was one of the biggest keys to the Wolverines’ 17-0 season en route to their first national title in 26 years. That unit ranked No. 1 in the nation, holding opponents to 247 yards and 10.4 points per game.

UM also had success against dual-threat quarterbacks, most notably in the Rose Bowl against Alabama. Jalen Milroe struggled against the Wolverines, throwing for just 116 yards while adding 63 rushing yards as Michigan came away with the victory to advance to the national championship.

Based on what Jenkins saw in practice, facing McCarthy got UM ready for that challenge.

“They were tough, because he can move,” Jenkins said of practices with McCarthy. “You get out of your rush lanes, he’s gone. You’re sitting there looking while he’s going 30 yards down the field, you’re like, ‘Dang.’ But that also helped us getting ready for QBs that could move, like [Taulia Tagovailoa] … and like Milroe, seeing quarterbacks like that that could move, that can run like that.

“We’re like, ‘We go against J.J. every practice. This ain’t nothing different.'”

In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Mel Kiper Jr. had McCarthy going No. 5 overall to the Minnesota Vikings via a mock trade with Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers. In the second round, Kiper projected Jenkins to go No. 48 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s shaping up to be a big week for the Wolverines in Detroit when the draft gets underway.

Kris Jenkins is partnering with P&G and Meijer ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. P&G and Meijer are teaming up to provide players with essentials from trusted P&G brands like Bounty to help them be Ready For Anything as they begin their pro careers. During Draft week, the first P&G Draft House presented by Meijer will be on the ground in Detroit to welcome players and equip them with essentials they’ll be able to count on no matter where they find themselves heading after they’re drafted.