In a resounding endorsement, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh showered praise on his former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, labeling him the best quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft.
On the heels of McCarthy’s ultra-impressive Pro Day performance, Harbaugh made his opinion on the national champion quarterback crystal clear.
“I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft,” Harbaugh said. “He’s incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won’t matter.”
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh thinks JJ McCarthy should be the first quarterback taken in the NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/zvdbJRpIpD
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 25, 2024
Of course, it’s easy to chalk the ringing endorsement up to Harbaugh being biased.
Known for his fierce loyalty, Harbaugh obviously wants the best for McCarthy and would love to see him drafted as high as possible.
I can’t take Jim Harbaugh seriously when he discusses JJ McCarthy. I think I he’s lying through his teeth
Full video: https://t.co/qvTmOj6pli pic.twitter.com/XNP7wgIUKh
— Ryan Hickey (@Ryan_Hickey3) March 26, 2024
“That was the best throwing day I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh said of McCarthy’s Pro Day performance.
“Like I predicted, once they were around him, I was hearing the stories about how he is on the board, how he is on the field, the little things, the intangibles. I mean, it was absolutely no surprise whatsoever.”
“But yeah, there was raving, and it was great to hear and incredible to hear,” he proudly stated.
Jim Harbaugh on JJ McCarthy’s pro day: “literally, it was the best I’ve ever seen” pic.twitter.com/Rd3qYjInXq
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 25, 2024
A highlight of McCarthy’s Pro Day, a viral clip showcasing his 60-yard pass to running back Blake Corum, epitomized the kind of throw McCarthy aimed to demonstrate, underscoring his remarkable skill set.
JJ McCarthy letting it fly to Blake Corum at @UMichFootball's Pro Day 🚀 (via Mak Issa)pic.twitter.com/Lc8itYqK1s
— NFL (@NFL) March 22, 2024
While Harbaugh’s words are certainly genuine, they are going in one ear and out the other for those who think his praise is nothing more than pom-pom waving for his former quarterback.
However, there are a small amount of folks around the league who are wondering if Harbaugh has other motives.
Deep down, does Harbaugh want to draft McCarthy to the Chargers???
Jim Harbaugh trying to figure out how he can trade up to draft JJ McCarthy pic.twitter.com/0Qu5dIsETu
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 25, 2024
Of course, Harbaugh is already inheriting one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL in Justin Herbert.
While the Bolts have consistently underperformed during Herbert’s young career, there’s no denying that he has the potential to be a top-three QB in the league.
With Harbaugh in town, there’s finally some much-needed stability and leadership in the coaching staff … This will surely be a monstrous help in Herbert’s development.
@jjmccarthy09 will be the best QB in this 2024 Draft. No doubt no matter what @AdamSchein says 😘
— Anthony Dunkley (@AnthonyDunkley) March 25, 2024
But is there ANY chance Harbaugh would look to trade Herbert and draft McCarthy?
It’s crazy to think about and would certainly qualify as a major risk. But is it possible???
After all, the Chargers would get a gold mine in return for Herbert and could use those assets to build around McCarthy.
Is Jim Harbaugh playing Chess, while everyone else is playing Checkers?
Have you thought it through?
Sure, it’s easy to say, I’m endorsing JJ McCarthy because I truly believe in him.
It’s also easy to say I’m endorsing him because he helped win me an NCAA National… pic.twitter.com/fXieWb5xrU
— John Frascella (Football) (@LegendSports7) March 26, 2024
Realistically, there is very little chance of that actually happening. And truth be told, it would be shocking if Harbaugh is even considering it.
But crazier things have happened – especially when Big Jim is involved.
Jim Harbaugh to JJ McCarthy https://t.co/RYM6pdqk5a pic.twitter.com/s0vbaMO7Fe
— Josh Arnoldy (@JoshArnoldy) March 25, 2024
What are your thoughts?
Do you think there’s ANY chance the Chargers will draft McCarthy and ship Herbert out of town?
Hypothetically speaking, what type of return could the Bolts get in return for Herbert?
In the bigger picture, how do you think Harbaugh will ultimately do in LA???
I need Jim Harbaugh to draft JJ McCarthy with the 5th pick just to see what would happen pic.twitter.com/U00Xc9SIOg
— Bear Dahn (@DahB3ARS) March 26, 2024