In Orlando, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a unique position for this year’s NFL draft. Despite not being in the market for a quarterback, if the situation were different, Jim Harbaugh, with his deep ties to Michigan, has his eyes set on a familiar talent—J.J. McCarthy.
Harbaugh, speaking at the NFL’s annual meeting, didn’t mince words about his admiration for McCarthy. “In my view, he’s the top quarterback of this draft,” Harbaugh stated. “Among a field of exceptional quarterbacks, McCarthy stands out for his unparalleled ability to command the field.”
McCarthy is part of an elite group of quarterbacks in this draft, alongside notable names like USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. There’s a buzz that these top talents could dominate the first few selections.
With the Chicago Bears likely to pick Williams first overall, and teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots also eyeing rookie quarterbacks, the draft is set to be thrilling. Although the Arizona Cardinals and the Chargers, picking fourth and fifth respectively, aren’t expected to draft quarterbacks, several teams in the top 14 are keen on securing a new signal-caller.
Harbaugh’s move to the Chargers, following a triumphant national championship win with Michigan in January, has added intrigue to the No. 5 pick. “If four quarterbacks are chosen right off the bat, the fifth pick essentially becomes the top pick for teams already set with a great quarterback,” Harbaugh explained, highlighting the strategic value of early selections in this quarterback-rich draft.
McCarthy’s draft stock has been on a steady rise since he declared. Last season, he boasted the highest completion rate among the draft’s top quarterbacks at 72.3%, with 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions. His performances at the NFL combine and Michigan’s pro day only solidified his standing.
Harbaugh, who witnessed McCarthy’s pro day, was effusive in his praise. “It was the best pro day performance I’ve ever seen. McCarthy’s precision and the way he connected with receivers were unmatched,” Harbaugh remarked, sharing that many coaches and GMs were equally impressed by McCarthy’s skills and leadership qualities.
Doubling down on a prediction made last summer, Harbaugh believes Michigan is set to break Georgia’s 2022 record for the most picks from a single school in a draft. With 18 Wolverines invited to the combine, this prediction is closer to reality, a testament to the talent and hard work of the players and coaching staff.
For more insights and updates, reach out to Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.