Quarterbacks in the NFL are commonly measured by their arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. Yet in recent drafts, athleticism—particularly raw speed—has become a valued metric, as coaches look for QBs who can stress defenses in and out of the pocket. Among the 2024 class, JJ McCarthy, Michigan’s national championship-winning quarterback, has garnered attention not only for his poise but for surprising agility. His 40 time—referring to the 40-yard dash—is a central data point for scouts assessing how his athleticism might translate at the next level.
While the 40-yard dash is often spotlighted for running backs and wide receivers, it has evolved into a key indicator for quarterbacks, especially as offensive schemes demand mobility and improvisation. The run game for QBs is rarely about blazing deep speed, but a strong 40 time suggests burst and escapability in the pocket.
Consider recent NFL standouts like Josh Allen or Justin Fields: both posted strong 40 times at the NFL Combine, which correlated with their ability to extend plays and threaten defenses on the ground. Teams increasingly value quarterbacks who can avoid pressure and pick up critical yards with their feet.
“Quarterbacks with above-average 40 times don’t just create on designed keepers—they buy precious seconds for their receivers and stretch defensive assignments,” observes a veteran NFL scout.
Against this backdrop, the intrigue around JJ McCarthy’s 40-yard dash is well-founded.
At the 2024 NFL Combine, McCarthy reportedly ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5-second range. While not matching the elite times posted by the likes of Lamar Jackson (4.34 unofficial) or Marcus Mariota (4.52), McCarthy’s result is notably faster than many traditional, pocket-bound passers and positions him as an athletic quarterback.
For context:
Thus, McCarthy’s speed places him squarely within the “plus athlete” tier for modern NFL QBs—a fact that supports pre-draft narratives speculating about his mobility.
Beyond Combine metrics, McCarthy’s on-field tape reinforces his timed speed. Michigan leveraged his mobility on bootlegs and rollouts, and he routinely extended plays when protection broke down. Notably, in the 2023 College Football Playoff, McCarthy repeatedly avoided sacks against pressure-heavy Alabama, displaying quick-twitch change-of-direction ability rarely measured by a 40 time alone.
Quarterbacks with credible 40 times consistently convert broken plays into positive gains. In practice, here’s how speed enhances McCarthy’s NFL value:
Defensive coordinators often “spy” QBs with plus speed, using a linebacker or safety to mirror their movement. This tactic can open up passing lanes and force coverage breakdowns—meaning McCarthy’s speed could influence play-calling even when he isn’t running.
Players like Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen have changed perceptions about quarterback athleticism. Both posted impressive 40 times at their respective combines (Hurts mid-4.5s, Allen low 4.7s) and now serve as focal points of their teams’ running and passing attacks. While McCarthy is not quite as physically imposing as Allen, his 40 time suggests a similar ability to threaten defenses on the perimeter.
Scouting has shifted in recent years to emphasize athletic benchmarks for quarterbacks. Analytics departments often blend traditional film assessment with Combine numbers, searching for QBs who fit evolving offensive philosophies.
“Dual-threat capability” is now a core competency for many NFL front offices. A credible 40 time, especially for a quarterback who also boasts strong football IQ and leadership qualities, can tip the scales during the pre-draft process.
Despite its importance, the 40 time paints only part of the picture. Legendary QBs like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning posted pedestrian 40-yard dash times but showcased elite pocket awareness. For McCarthy, the key challenge will be blending his speed with the ability to make high-leverage throws under pressure, rather than relying exclusively on his legs.
NFL personnel directors, anonymous scouts, and draft analysts have weighed in on McCarthy’s athletic profile throughout the pre-draft process. Many praised the synergy between his testing metrics and game performance.
“JJ McCarthy’s 40 time isn’t just about top-end speed—it confirms what we saw on Saturdays: he’s tough to pin down and creates throwing lanes out of chaos,” said a senior NFC scout.
This synthesis of data and in-game creativity is what makes McCarthy one of the draft’s more intriguing quarterback prospects.
JJ McCarthy’s 40 time cements his status as a modern, versatile quarterback prospect. In a league trending toward mobility, a high 4.5-second dash bolsters his value, offering potential upside both in designed runs and ad-lib opportunities. While raw speed doesn’t guarantee NFL success, it’s become a powerful validation point for teams seeking franchise quarterbacks who can outpace defensive schemes.
When combined with McCarthy’s composure, football intelligence, and leadership at Michigan, his athleticism rounds out an NFL-ready profile. The expectation is that his mobility—documented both in numbers and film—will translate as a floor-raiser early in his pro career, with the potential to become a strategic weapon for innovative offensive coordinators.
JJ McCarthy ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.5-second range at the 2024 NFL Combine, showing above-average speed for a quarterback.
A quarterback’s 40 time signals their overall athleticism and ability to escape pressure, scramble for extra yards, or execute rollout and option plays in today’s NFL offenses.
McCarthy’s 40 time is similar to dynamic NFL QBs like Jalen Hurts and slightly faster than Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow, placing him in a strong athletic tier among recent draft classes.
No; while athleticism boosts upside, success also requires accuracy, decision-making, and mental processing. Some legendary QBs with slower 40 times have excelled due to elite anticipation and awareness.
His Michigan highlights consistently display quickness and evasiveness, often extending plays and avoiding sacks where less mobile quarterbacks might be tackled.
Given his speed and history at Michigan, McCarthy’s mobility will likely be schemed into both designed run packages and improvisational situations in the NFL.
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