Patriots Trade, Draft Michigan's 'Efficient' J.J. McCarthy in Latest NFL Mock; Mac Jones Out?

With a need at quarterback this offseason, the New England Patriots could make J.J. McCarthy their next quarterback out of Michigan.

The last time the New England Patriots drafted a quarterback out of Michigan, it would prove to be the greatest decision they ever made. That quarterback, Tom Brady, went on to become the greatest ever to play the position, as he led the Patriots to six Super Bowls in a nearly 20-year-long run. 

Now, just five years after his departure, a new mock draft from CBS Sports has the Patriots returning to that Michigan pipeline with the selection of J.J. McCarthy. However, instead of waiting until the sixth round to do so, the mock draft has the Patriots trading their No. 3 pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the No. 8 selection. 

"J.J. McCarthy was an efficient conductor for Michigan's run-first offense the last two seasons, throwing 44 touchdowns and only nine interceptions, ..." CBS Sports writes. "McCarthy was adept at executing the offense his coaches asked him to run while also showcasing athleticism as a runner and while throwing on the run. He has the velocity to make tight window throws and has no issue taking what the defense gives him."

December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the pregame before the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Ncaa Fiesta Bowl Game :: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Looking at the stats alone, McCarthy's 27-1 record as a starter, along with his 44 career touchdowns to just nine interceptions, is enough to sell any fan on the Michigan product. Yet, there is more to football than just numbers on paper.

Despite leading the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season this past year, there are still plenty of questions about how he'll translate to the NFL level. 

While he certainly has the traits of an NFL quarterback, like his arm strength and ability to throw on the run, he was never truly asked to show off those skills consistently at Michigan. Playing under now Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy played in a hard-nosed offense predicated on bullying their opponents at the line of scrimmage with their run game.

This is why the 21-year-old is a name to watch during this week's NFL Scouting Combine, where while three of his fellow quarterback prospects won't be participating in the on-field drills, McCarthy will have a chance to show off his arm in front of league scouts.

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Given the lack of an extensive sample size for McCarthy regarding whether he can consistently make the tight window throws or process the necessary information at a high level to play the position, his selection is more of a risk for the Patriots. As they learned over the last three years with Mac Jones, missing on a first-round quarterback can set a franchise back, which makes this year all the more important if they choose a signal-caller.

By the way, the "miss'' on Mac? Yes, somewhere in this equation something needs to be done with Jones, too, as this idea is obviously a move-on move by the Pats.

If the Patriots feel comfortable with McCarthy, moving back five spots for a bundle of picks certainly makes sense in an offseason where a rebuild is seemingly beginning. Not only would the Patriots select their hopeful franchise quarterback, but they would also receive a number of extra picks to help build a roster around him.