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The national champion Michigan Wolverines had 14 different players who were expecting to hear their names called during the 2024 NFL draft. However, only one former Wolverine was selected among the first 32 picks on Day 1. Let's take a deeper dive into who was selected on Thursday night in the first round of the NFL draft from the University of Michigan.
Michigan Round 1 NFL Draft Pick
J.J. McCarthy, QB
The Michigan Wolverines only had one player who was selected in the first round, and that was quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He was drafted 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings as they moved up one spot in a draft day trade with the New York Jets to acquire him.
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The trade saw the New York Jets receive pick No. 11, 129 and 157, while the Minnesota Vikings received picks 10 and 203 in this year's draft.
McCarthy wound up being the fifth quarterback selected in the first round behind Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), Drake Maye (New England Patriots) and Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons).
While he was not asked to do too much in a run-heavy offense by former Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy was able to win games and play well when asked to throw the football.
J.J. McCarthy ended the 2023 season going 240 of 332 (72.3%) for 2,991 yards with 22 touchdowns compared to four interceptions. He was also able to move around in the pocket and pick up yards with his feet, finishing 2023 with 64 rushing attempts for 202 yards (3.2 yards per carry) and three rushing touchdowns en route to the championship.
This seemingly answers the question of who is going to be the starting quarterback in Week 1 of the season for the Vikings, as they have McCarthy, Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall as the four quarterbacks under contract.
While the scenario of J.J. McCarthy starting on the bench and allowing Darnold to begin the season as the rookie adjusts to the league is available, it likely will not happen.
