Jim Harbaugh is doing everything he can to improve his former quarterback’s stock ahead of the NFL Draft.
During his Friday visit on FS1’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Harbaugh talked about a variety of topics. The new Los Angeles Chargers coach was questioned about how NFL teams should regard Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. Harbaugh answered with an extremely bold forecast.
By the time the draft rolls around, Harbaugh believes McCarthy will have persuaded NFL teams that the quarterback is worthy of being the first pick.
“(He adds) arm skill, athleticism, the it factor, and winning through mind-numbing repetition,” Harbaugh added. “Don’t be surprised if — when — he’s the top quarterback on the board. That’s my prediction for now. JJ’s ability to throw and spin the ball, as well as his athleticism, intelligence, competitiveness, and it factor, has led to early predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy jumped into the mid-to-late first round in most mock drafts after helping Michigan win the national championship. Most observers believe he will be taken as the fourth or fifth quarterback, trailing only Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and JT Daniels. We doubt things will change in the next two months, but you have to applaud Harbaugh for going to bat for his player.
McCarthy completed an incredible 72.3% of his throws for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions last season. He ran for an extra 202 yards and three touchdowns. It should help that he played in a pro-style offense and demonstrated excellent leadership during a year full of distractions.
