31 March 2024 , 02:00
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J. J. McCarthy is shaping up to be a talking point of the 2024 NFL Draft and it's all thanks to his old coach.
Last season, with Jim Harbaugh as coach, McCarthy helped Michigan score their first National Championship in this century. Under Harbaugh's guidance, McCarthy stood out, achieving 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns from just four attempts.
McCarthy hit the mark on 72.3% of his passes and averaged nine yards with each try. Designed as an old-fashioned style quarterback, he drives the offense - an ability that shouldn't solely rely on this skilled 21-year-old.
These stats on McCarthy's road to the NFL leave some questions open: Can he shoulder the weight of steering an NFL team? Is he good enough? Harbaugh, who now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers, certainly believes so.
"I've said it before," said Harbaugh in an NFL owners meeting. He very much believes that "I think he's [McCarthy's] the best quarterback in the draft. That's just what I think. It's my opinion. He's the one who plays quarterback [the best].
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"Of all the quarterbacks that are in the draft - there are great quarterbacks in the draft - but I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft."
It's a big statement from Harbaugh, who is known for doing things his way. He might just be cheering on his old player in a group with top names like Caleb Williams, but maybe Harbaugh has another plan.
The Chargers have the fifth pick in the next draft. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots need a new quarterback and are ahead of the Chargers.
J.J. McCarthy and Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to the National Championship last season (Getty Images)This means the top picks like Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels might be gone before the Arizona Cardinals get to choose. Harbaugh could be talking up his ex-player to get more teams interested. Maybe he wants the Cardinals, who already have Kyler Murray, to get a big offer from a team that really wants a new quarterback.
Even though Harbaugh is making noise, the Chargers don't need a quarterback because they have the amazing Justin Herbert with a big contract. If four quarterbacks are chosen first, the Chargers will get to pick from the rest of the talent - which is perfect for Harbaugh to start his time in Los Angeles.
The Chargers are in need of a wide receiver or some help on the offensive line. So, getting Ohio State's superstar Marvin Harrison Jr. or Notre Dame's tackle Joe Alt would be a dream come true for Harbaugh. If all goes well, Harbaugh will have his pick of top talent to build a team around Herbert.
While McCarthy might just be a pawn in his former coach's game, there are real questions about his worth. He's been criticised because the Michigan offense didn't rely on him as much as it usually did on star running back Blake Corum.
Marvin Harrison Jr. torched Jim Harbaugh's Michigan in the final game of his collegiate career (Getty Images)For instance, McCarthy only threw eight passes in the win over Penn State. But let's not forget that McCarthy was one of the best quarterbacks in college football last year. And since it's NFL Draft season, anything can happen.
So, the idea of McCarthy joining the Commanders at No. 2 isn't totally out of the question or just a 'Harbaugh-factured' rumour.
Adam Peters, the general manager of the Commanders, was part of the 49ers when they made it to two Super Bowls with two different quarterbacks who play a lot like McCarthy: Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy. These two were able to perfectly execute Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme.
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McCarthy led the Michigan offense - Harbaugh's offense - all the way to a National Championship. We'll have to wait and see if the cheers will turn into an eerie silence during the first round of next month's NFL Draft in Detroit.