BREAKING NEWS: Steelers connect with QB candidate who ‘turned heads’ at NFL.
On March 2, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the potential trade destinations for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields. However, several analysts have linked the Steelers to quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft. That includes Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who had an impressive week at the NFL scouting combine.
On March 2, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani called the Steelers one of the top five candidates for McCarthy.
“The hire of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator leads me to believe McCarthy could be a good match in Pittsburgh. Some see Smith as an offensive coach who struggled to get the most out of his top players in Atlanta, but what we do know about Smith is that he can develop a legitimate rushing attack,” Dajani said. “The Atlanta Falcons’ ground game ranked ninth last season and third in 2022. During his tenure as Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator, Smith’s running assault ranked second in the league in 2020 and third in 2019.
“McCarthy benefited from a strong defense and rushing offense, which Pittsburgh will undoubtedly have with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Getting to pass the ball to playmakers like
“George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and Pat Freiermuth would also be entertaining.”
According to Ryan Zuke of MLive.com, McCarthy “turned heads” during the NFL combine with a few measurables. He weighed more and stood taller than predicted. McCarthy also did well in the three-cone drill and the twenty-yard shuttle.
The Michigan quarterback couldn’t have started combine week better. However, he did not shine at the throwing drills on March 2.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller described McCarthy’s drill performance as “uneven” during an appearance on SportsCenter.”You saw the throw to the right there, it looked beautiful,” Miller told Zuke. “Throwing to his left was much more uneven during the session. He relaxed down wonderfully, cooled down, and discovered his groove. They’re throwing to unknown targets, wide receivers they’ve never played with before.