The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple of months away, set to commence in Detroit on April 25. This is an exceptionally important event, as it can result in potential franchise-altering picks.
Notably, Jim Harbaugh diverged from the consensus, suggesting a surprising twist at the draft’s summit regarding his former quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Jim Harbaugh’s bold NFL draft prediction for J.J. McCarthy
In a recent talk show, Jim Harbaugh, who recently made a comeback in the NFL praised his former QB J.J. McCarthy and made a bold prediction about him.
The coach stated that McCarthy would be the first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
“Arm talent, athleticism, ‘it’ factor, winning with numbing repetition, don’t be surprised if or when he is the number one quarterback off the board,” Harbaugh said about J.J McCarthy.
His claim that McCarthy will be the first pick ahead of Caleb Williams, whose draft process was delayed and Jayden Daniels is quite shocking. But the coach is still adamant about his claim: “That’s my prediction right now.”
The coach could predict this because of the long history between the QB and Harbaugh. Both spent three seasons together at Michigan and recently won a national championship. The coach believes in QB’s abilities and, therefore, believes he can be the first pick.
J.J. McCarthy amongst top QB prospects for NFL draft
While there are many QB prospects for the NFL draft, J.J. McCarthy remains one of the top prospects. He is young, just turned 21, and decided to follow Jim Harbaugh to the NFL from college.
The QB was born in La Grange Park, Illinois, and played his senior season of high school football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He played as QB for Michigan for two seasons and is now heading to the NFL after 49 touchdowns thrown over his college career (against 11 interceptions), with another 10 as a rusher.
The strengths of the QB include his ability to throw the ball. He did it rarely in Michigan’s run-heavy scheme but when he did, he did it incredibly well. J.J. McCarthy showed consistency and accuracy in throws that are essential in NFL games.
He also possesses grit and leadership skills and is renowned for showing the awareness and agility to escape pressure and either scramble or throw accurately on the move. However, J.J. McCarthy is not that experienced a single caller, as he just started 26 games over his college career.
J.J. McCarthy does possess the talent and athleticism to be selected as the number one QB in the NFL Draft. Harbaugh’s prediction may not be as surprising considering McCarthy’s demonstrated skills and their successful history together.
