The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 33 ❱ MICHIGAN FOOTBALL J.J. MCCARTHY SOLIDIFIES STOCK AT PRO DAY Former U-M quarterback J.J. McCarthy has experienced a steady rise up NFL Draft boards since his declaration in January, which culminated with his showings at the NFL Combine in late February followed by his pro day in Ann Arbor on March 22. Access was limited to scouts and select media members, but the reviews from his session were positive and appear to have solidified him as a poten- tial top-10 selection. "The throwing session lasted about 25 minutes," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said. "It was clean — just two clear misses. He showcased zip and touch while hitting a lot of deep routes. He told me he wanted to show his touch placement and did well there. McCarthy has easy power and velocity." Miller later added: "I talked to a GM today. There were plenty of them here who think that he is still in play very much as a top-six pick in the draft." McCarthy threw well at the combine but wanted to showcase improve- ments in other areas, and he felt he checked the boxes he needed to. "It was a combination of a lot, but I wanted to make sure I put on display some touch throws over the middle on the move and setting up with little space in the pocket," McCarthy said. "In the NFL, there's not too much space to work, and I won't have that Michigan offensive line anymore. "I just wanted to showcase the questions they had about out-breaking throws to the left and putting some air on the deep post and stuff like that. I felt like I did that today and was pretty confident with that showing." McCarthy's stock has grown greatly since the end of Michigan's 15-0 Col- lege Football Playoff championship-winning season, but he is not exactly sure why, nor has he been paying attention to it. His ascension into the highest levels of potential draft selection is completely off his radar. "I don't know [why or how it has improved], to be honest," McCarthy said. "I just feel like everything changed once I started talking to teams and getting on the [white board] with them. Everything has been matching up with what Coach [Jim] Harbaugh was saying and Coach [Sherrone] Moore and Coach [Kirk] Campbell. So, I feel like just getting in front of them, getting to know them and building that relationship is the biggest thing." — Anthony Broome ANALYST WEIGHS IN ON OTHER U-M STANDOUTS Plenty of Michigan stars had a shot to show off for the NFL at the program's pro day, including running back Blake Corum. While much of his game at run- ning back has been known, it was what he did as a pass catcher that may add a layer of intrigue to his draft stock. "Corum had a chance to put on a show," ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said. "What was most interesting was he really stood out as a pass catcher today. He was featured heavily during J.J. McCarthy's throwing workout, and not just on traditional running back routes, but moving from the slot, working down the field. So, it was a very, very smooth day for Blake, who did well in pass-protection drills, did well in running back drills, but really as a receiver is what stood out the most." Wide receiver Roman Wilson has positioned himself to be taken somewhat early in the event, likely on Day 2 when the second and third rounds roll along. But the Michigan wideout still has a chance to move up into the late first round. "Roman is just a professional, and that showed up today as well," Miller said. "Had a chance to talk with him. He knows his versatility from the slot from playing outside is very important. I didn't see him drop a single pass to- day. And he is another guy in play. I think he is a top-40 selection in this year's class, even with a deep wide receiver group. He's right there in the mix with other top prospects to be a player at the top of round two, maybe sneaks his way into late round one after a strong workout today." One of the bigger surprises of the day was the news that defensive back Mike Sainristil, who was one of the standouts at his position at the NFL Com- bine, ran some routes and put work in at wide receiver. "He still did defensive back drills, but Mike actually went and ran routes for McCarthy as well," Miller said. "But throughout the DB drills, you see the agil- ity, the footwork, and he knows his money in the NFL is going to come from being a nickel corner. We've talked about that. He sees himself as a nickel in the mold of guys like [Indianapolis Colts DB] Kenny Moore II and [Buffalo Bills DB] Taron Johnson. He had a great workout showing that short area quick- ness and agility. That will be a hallmark of his NFL career." — Anthony Broome McCarthy appears to have solidified himself as a potential top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY Running back Blake Corum impressed observers with his pass-catch- ing skills during Michigan's pro day workouts. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY