J.J. McCarthy, Zak Zinter given first-round NFL Draft outlooks in latest writeups
The Michigan Wolverines bring one of the most talent-rich teams in the country to the stretch run of the 2023 season, headlined by quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Most believe that he could push for top-10 status if he decides to come out.
In a recent mock draft from The Athletic, Nick Baumgardner mocks McCarthy to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 10 overall, citing a potentially rookie-friendly offense around him.
“There’s potentially an intriguing world awaiting a young quarterback in Minnesota — WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and TE T.J. Hockenson as pass-catching weapons, OT Christian Darrisaw blocking for you,” he writes. “McCarthy currently leads all FBS passers (minimum 100 snaps) in EPA per dropback. Despite playing in Michigan’s run-heavy attack, his efficiency also has been very consistent outside of one poor showing. Oh, and he’s still just 20 years old.”
This week, Pro Football Focus labeled McCarthy as a player that could be a great fit for the New York Jets as the understudy to Aaron Rodgers.
“Look, the article isn’t titled ‘Most Realistic Team-Prospect Fits,’ so let’s dream a little,” Trevor Sikkema writes. “The Jets likely won’t use their first-round pick on a quarterback to take over for Aaron Rodgers down the road. But if McCarthy is on the board, maybe they should.
“The Michigan signal-caller brings big-time arm talent, and his velocity is as good as that of most other prospects in this class (excluding Joe Milton, whose arm strength is not from Earth). His big concern going into the season was the mental aspect of playing quarterback, particularly under pressure — when he feels it and the decisions he makes. McCarthy is performing better in those areas thus far, but getting to sit behind Rodgers would help him tremendously.”
Zak Zinter the other Michigan projected first rounder
McCarthy has been the Michigan player with the most consistent first round buzz, but one of his main protectors has also been in that conversation. Senior captain Zak Zinter was selected No. 32 overall by the San Francisco 49ers in The Athletic’s mock.
“San Francisco has built and maintained its incredibly efficient offense without having elite O-line talent (save for Trent Williams),” The Athletic’s Diante Lee says. “Because the 49ers almost always find themselves at the back end of the draft these days, building long-term health for that unit means finding versatile players with strong athletic profiles. Zinter fits. He has effectively played every spot along Michigan’s line — and played them well. He’s allowed just one pressure in 2023, and he has the agility and speed to fit right into a zone-heavy scheme.”
CBS Sports also sees value in Zinter in the first round, sending the Michigan guard to the Seattle Seahawks to reunite with Olu Oluwatimi.
“Last year, [the Seahawks] found bookend tackles with Charles Cross, Abe Lucas,” Josh Edwards said. “You’ve got a really solid unit to build around moving forward. They need some help along the interior, and I think [Zak] Zinter is a player that will help shore that up a little bit. According to TruMedia, he’s allowed two hurries and one pressure this year, zero sacks. Just a really big, physical player who should be able to make an impact in the trenches.”
