Depth chart prediction for Michigan football’s quarterbacks in 2019

We are a mere 19 days away from Michigan football, everybody. Count ‘em. Nineteen.

We are getting close.

Before we get there, though, we at Maize n Brew will be pumping out some more preview coverage for all you fine folks. We’ve already gone through opponent previews, so now it’s time to make some depth chart predictions. Let’s start with the quarterbacks.

Starter — Shea Patterson, SR

Patterson came back for his senior season, so there is very little chance he gives up his starting job to someone else.

During his first season in Ann Arbor, Patterson passed for 2,600 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions, with a completion percentage of 64.62. Relative to quarterbacks of Michigan’s not-so-distant past, that’s pretty damn good. But compared to the other elite guys in the nation, it could have been better.

With the weapons returning to Ann Arbor and a new offensive coordinator that fits his playing style, things SHOULD be better for Patterson, along with the offense as a whole, in 2019.

2nd String — Dylan McCaffrey, RS SO

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said in Chicago during Big Ten Media Days that McCaffrey will get playing time in 2019

“Where it stands right now, that could change later or not, I see ‘em both playing. Where it stands right now I see it maybe redefining what a starter is,” Harbaugh said.

Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY NETWORK

Maybe the term “second-string” won’t mean as much to Michigan as it did a season ago, but regardless, McCaffrey will be the first one off the bench.

Playing in six games last fall, McCaffrey threw the ball 15 times for eight completions, 126 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran the ball effectively — 10 times for 99 yards and one touchdown. He also had a long touchdown run called back against Maryland on an, in my opinion, incorrect holding call.

McCaffrey looks to be Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2020, unless the next guy on our list has something to say about it.

3rd String — Joe Milton, RS FR

Say it with me, guys — Joe “Rocket Man” Milton.

It’ll catch on eventually. Maybe.

It did not shock me at all for Milton to get some run last season as a true freshman, with his unbelievable arm strength and already-college-ready build (6-foot-5, 234 pounds). All in all, Milton was 3-of-4 passing for 58 yards and an interception last season. He also ran for 31 yards and one touchdown on seven carries.

One of his completions showed off his rocket arm, too.

I fully anticipate the 2020 quarterback battle to be one of the most intense in Harbaugh’s tenure. Milton will give McCaffrey a big run for the top spot, and it will be incredibly interesting to see everything unfold.

4th String — Cade McNamara, FR

With so many guys ahead of him, McNamara is bound for a redshirt season. Unlike Milton last year, I don’t believe McNamara will see the field at all in 2019, barring some unforeseen plague in the quarterback room. Not much to talk about at the moment, but he will be a guy to monitor starting next year.