Wolverine Digest

J.J. McCarthy lands in interesting place in PFF's 2024 re-draft

Trent Knoop|
Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Minnesota Vikings moved up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy after he led the Wolverines to the national title. The three-year Michigan quarterback injured his meniscus in the preseason and was unable to play for Minnesota for the entire 2024 football season. Instead, Sam Darnold led the Vikings to the playoffs, but back-to-back bad performances leave many to believe McCarthy will be Minnesota's starting quarterback in 2025.

But what if he didn't go to the Vikings?

Pro Football Focus did a 2024 re-draft and McCarthy went a little sooner than 10th overall -- two picks earlier. PFF has the Atlanta Falcons selecting McCarthy No. 8 and Michael Penix Jr. -- who did go to the Falcons -- went one spot ahead of McCarthy at seventh to the Titans.

When Atlanta selected Penix Jr. the world went nuts. The Falcons just signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a massive deal, but as we know, it didn't work out for the two and Penix Jr. started the final couple of games in place of Cousins.

McCarthy would've likely been in the same boat. Michigan fans would've initially been bummed he would have to sit behind Cousins for possibly four seasons, but once Cousins started throwing interceptions, McCarthy would've had a shot.

But everything likely worked out for the best. McCarthy will have a chance to lead an explosive Minnesota offense for years. He has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson to throw to. The Vikings will also continue to build their offensive line for McCarthy to have success.

J.J. McCarth
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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