The NFL Combine Throw: Joe Milton’s Arm Strength vs. J.J. McCarthy’s Potential

The NFL Combine never fails to spark discussions and debates among football enthusiasts and analysts alike. This year, the spotlight was on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Joe Milton III, who made waves with a jaw-dropping 70+ yard throw during a throwing drill. The impressive display of raw arm strength garnered attention and applause, but it also raised questions about Milton’s overall quarterback abilities.

While Milton’s feat was undeniably impressive, some critics pointed out that his starting job at Michigan was lost due to issues with accuracy and decision-making rather than a lack of arm strength. The ability to make long throws is undoubtedly valuable, but the true test of a quarterback lies in their consistency and effectiveness in executing intermediate routes and making sound decisions under pressure.

In contrast, there was anticipation surrounding J.J. McCarthy, another Michigan quarterback prospect, who did participate in the Combine. McCarthy’s presence in the event left some speculating about what could have been if he had showcased his talents on the big stage. With limited exposure compared to Milton, McCarthy’s potential remains somewhat of a mystery, leaving many wondering about his capabilities and how they would translate to the NFL level.

The debate surrounding Milton’s throw at the Combine serves as a reminder that arm strength alone does not guarantee success in the NFL. While it is undoubtedly a valuable asset, it must be accompanied by other essential qualities such as accuracy, decision-making, and the ability to perform consistently under various circumstances.

Comparisons to past quarterbacks with strong arms who struggled in the NFL, such as Zach Wilson, JaMarcus Russell, and Kyle Boller, further highlight the importance of a well-rounded skill set beyond sheer arm strength.

It’s sad —this app would have exploded if J.J. McCarthy made this throw at the Combine instead of Joe Milton III pic.twitter.com/WPDpWDKevQ 2024 #NFL Draft

— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) March 4, 2024

Ultimately, the NFL Combine throw by Joe Milton sparked discussions about the role of arm strength in quarterback evaluation and reminded observers that there is much more to consider when assessing a quarterback’s potential success in the NFL. As the draft season progresses, the focus will shift to evaluating prospects like J.J. McCarthy and others based on a comprehensive understanding of their abilities and how they align with the demands of the NFL game.