The 2024 NFL Combine has come to an end for quarterbacks, and it was a chance for some lesser-known prospects to shine. With top prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels opting out of throwing and athletic testing, other quarterbacks had the opportunity to move up the rankings. One such player who impressed was J.J. McCarthy from the University of Michigan.
The on-field drills in Indianapolis showcased the skills of these quarterbacks, including their 40-yard dash times, bench press reps, vertical jumps, broad jumps, and 10-yard splits. While Williams, Daniels, and Maye did not participate in these drills, McCarthy took full advantage of the opportunity.
McCarthy’s performance was notable, despite a few missed throws on outbreaking routes. He displayed excellent footwork and showcased his arm strength by throwing some impressive deep balls. In fact, McCarthy recorded the second-highest velocity throw of the day. His performance at the combine has certainly put him on the radar of NFL decision-makers.
Another quarterback who stood out was Michael Penix Jr. from the University of Washington. Penix showed accuracy and good arm strength throughout the drills. Although he had one errant throw, he quickly corrected himself and remained on target for most of the session. His ability to push the ball downfield was particularly impressive.
Devin Leary from Kentucky also had a strong showing at the combine. Despite a disappointing senior season, Leary was able to regain some positive momentum in Indianapolis. He displayed excellent timing and touch in his throws and had the third-highest velocity throw among the first group of quarterbacks.
Kedon Slovis, who transferred from USC to Pittsburgh, also made an impact at the combine. He showcased his speed with a 4.55-second 40-yard dash time and displayed accuracy and touch in his throws. Slovis struggled with consistency during his collegiate career but showed promise in Indianapolis.
While there were winners at the combine, there were also some quarterbacks who didn’t perform as well as expected. Bo Nix from Oregon had a decent day but failed to gain ground on McCarthy and Penix. It took him some time to settle in during the in-breaking routes, but he eventually showed the solid level of play he is known for.
Michael Pratt from Tulane, who had been touted as a potential NFL starter, had an inconsistent performance. His decision-making was questionable, and his accuracy was off during the go-routes. Pratt failed to live up to expectations at the combine.
In addition to the quarterbacks’ performances, one player caught attention for a different reason. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman’s flowing hair drew significant attention during the festivities. His luscious locks made him stand out, and he became a part of a slow-motion video from the NFL Combine.
The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. As the draft approaches, more coverage and analysis can be found on CBSSports.com. This includes updated draft orders, mock drafts, and profiles of eligible prospects.
Overall, the NFL Combine provided an opportunity for quarterbacks to showcase their skills and make an impression on NFL decision-makers. While some top prospects chose not to participate, others like J.J. McCarthy took advantage of the opportunity and moved up the rankings. As the draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how these performances impact the final selections.