New Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh won’t have the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but that doesn’t mean he is without opinion on whom should be selected No. 1.
Many observers believe a quarterback will be selected with the first pick, but whether that’s the Chicago Bears or another team making the selection remains to be seen. Regardless, Harbaugh believes that the top quarterback
J.J. McCarthy, who started as his starting quarterback at Michigan the previous two seasons, will be taken.
Arm strength, agility, the “it” factor, and the ability to win through mind-numbing repetition. If he emerges as the top quarterback off the board, don’t be shocked. Right now, that’s what I foresee,” Harbaugh stated on Friday on Colin Cowherd’s show The Herd. “When people see J.J. in action, they can’t help but be impressed by his ability to toss the ball, spin it, athleticism, intelligence, and competitive spirit. An early estimate for the 2024 NFL draft is that they will target him and really hone in on him.
McCarthy was a winner through and through in his time with the Wolverines, posting a 26–1 record as a starter. In three seasons at Michigan, he completed 67.6% of his passes for 6,226 yards with 49 touchdown passes and just 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 632 yards and 10 touchdowns.
McCarthy led Michigan to the 2022 College Football Playoff, and did it once again in 2023, this time winning a
national title match. It’s also important to remember that McCarthy is a native of the Chicago region, and the Bears presently own the first choice in the April draft.
McCarthy is still one of the draft’s most interesting quarterback prospects. Although he is not as highly rated as some of the other QB prospects in the class of ’24, his record speaks for itself. Many people believe McCarthy will be chosen after Caleb Williams of USC, Drake Maye of North Carolina, and Jayden Daniels of LSU.
McCarthy has previously received a lot of praise from Harbaugh. McCarthy is the best quarterback in Michigan history, according to Harbaugh, even better than Tom Brady, before the CFP national championship game.
