Look: Desmond Howard picks Michigan's J.J. McCarthy for NFL OROY on 'College Gameday'

John Leuzzi, Detroit Free Press

The 2024 NFL draft in Detroit begins in less than one hour, and already Offensive Rookie of the Year predictions being made.

During ESPN's "College Gameday" broadcast at the NFL draft, Michigan football receiver Desmond Howard, now an ESPN analyst, predicted that Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy will take home that award next February come the NFL Honors ceremony.

"I got J.J.," Howard said. "Not only is he physically ready, Coach (referring to former Alabama coach Nick Saban) but mentally ready. Look at the way he meditates. ... He's always looking to get better."

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McCarthy, who's in line to become the highest-drafted quarterback in Michigan program history, surpassing Harbaugh who went No. 26 overall in the 1987 NFL draft — finished with over 6,200 passing yards with 49 passing touchdowns in his three seasons in Ann Arbor.

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Howard also picked McCarthy as his selection when asked by host Rece Davis on who is the most NFL-ready out of this year's draft class.

"I think it is J.J. McCarthy. We talk about Jim Harbaugh. Jim Harbaugh, obviously he's a great coach. In NFL and college, (he) played the quarterback position. I think he has them (Michigan players) ready for the NFL," Howard said.

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NFL draft predictions on 'College Gameday'

Question: Who is going 4th overall in the NFL draft?

  • Desmond Howard: Marvin Harrison Jr.

  • Nick Saban: Marvin Harrison Jr.

  • Joey Galloway: J.J. McCarthy

  • Kirk Herbstreit: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Question: Who is making the first trade in the NFL draft?

  • Desmond Howard: Minnesota Vikings

  • Nick Saban: Minnesota Vikings

  • Joey Galloway: Arizona Cardinals

  • Kirk Herbstreit: Minnesota Vikings

Question: Over/under 5.5 quarterbacks are taken in the first round?

  • Desmond Howard: Over

  • Nick Saban: Under

  • Joey Galloway: Under

  • Kirk Herbstreit: Over

Question: Who is the most NFL-ready?

  • Desmond Howard: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

  • Nick Saban: Brock Bowers (Georgia)

  • Joey Galloway: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)

  • Kirk Herbstreit: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)

Question: Who is going to win Offensive Rookie of the Year?

  • Desmond Howard: J.J. McCarthy (Michigan)

  • Nick Saban: Malik Nabers (LSU)

  • Joey Galloway: Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)

  • Kirk Herbstreit: Adonai Mitchell (Texas)

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Desmond Howard picks J.J. McCarthy to win NFL OROY on 'College Gameday'

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