Jim Harbaugh's Pick For Best Quarterback In The Draft May Or May Not Surprise You

ORLANDO – It would make sense for former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to like former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy as an NFL prospect because, well, the player helped the coach win a national championship last season.

But Harbaugh doesn't merely like McCarthy as a person and a prospect. He loves him.

As in Harbaugh believes the comparison between McCarthy and the other quarterbacks in the draft makes a great statement about McCarthy.

"I think he's the best quarterback in the draft," Harbaugh said Monday morning during the AFC coach's breakfast at the NFL annual meeting. "That's just what I think. It's my opinion. He's the one who plays quarterback of all the quarterbacks in the draft.

"There are great quarterbacks in the draft. I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft."

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Does Rest Of NFL Also Love J.J. McCarthy?

So, yes, that's Harbaugh's opinion and maybe that draws some skepticism based on Harbaugh's connection to McCarthy.

But Harbaugh will tell anyone who listens that his opinion is not unique. He says he's heard it from other coaches and general managers, too.

"The workout J.J. had, I've been to a lot of pro day workouts and watched quarterbacks throw … Not only was he great in the individual drills and then he started throwing, and it was like every throw ... that was the best throwing day I've ever seen," Harbaugh said.

"Then I had coaches and GMs come up to me and say, ‘Great job with J.J.’ Like I predicted, once they were around him, I was hearing stories about how he is on the board, how he is on the field, the little things, the intangibles. It was absolutely no surprise whatsoever."

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 8: J.J. McCarthy #9 and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate their victory against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Broncos And Others Show Interest

The Denver Broncos, needing a quarterback and picking No. 12 in the first round, met with McCarthy as part of their visit to his pro day and spent significant time with him – an obvious sign they have interest in selecting McCarthy.

"But, yeah, there was raving," Harbaugh added. "And it was great to hear, incredible to hear. And I know it was sincere. It was unsolicited. It was numerous, numerous GMs, numerous head coaches couldn't say enough good things. 

"And it was, you could just see it, his pro day, I've never seen better."

This isn't surprising to some. McCarthy has been trending as a legitimate first-round pick for some time. 

But now we're talking quite early in the first round. Possibly at No. 4 if, say, the Vikings trade up with the Arizona Cardinals.

Maybe at No. 6 to the New York Giants if they decide Daniel Jones has a lower ceiling. 

And definitely in the No. 12 or No. 13 range to the Broncos or Raiders because of their needs.

Harbaugh believes McCarthy would fit wherever. And he believes that based, in part, because of the gifts his parents, Megan and Jim McCarthy, poured into him.

"He's the perfect blend of Jim McCarthy and Megan McCarthy," Harbaugh said. "I've just watched the evolution. Every kid you coach, you raise, that you're around, you watch the evolution. And see it evolve most of the time of what the parents have poured into him. 

"So, Jim McCarthy's great gift of personality and empathy and competitiveness. Just bigger than life. And then there's Megan. Quiet but like a stone-cold killer. If somebody were to do something to the family, you would see a tiger. And that's J.J."

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 2: Quarterbacks listen to instructions during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

Harbaugh: McCarthy Good Anywhere

Harbaugh believes McCarthy will be able to succeed in any weather and with any fan base. The coach really loves this prospect.

"It doesn't matter. They could be adulating. ‘We love J.J.’ or being booed or being hit, and then this killer comes out," Harbaugh said. "Whether it's good, whether it's bad, he's got an extra gear especially when he's challenged.

"He's incredible. So big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather. It won't matter." 

Obviously, other clubs will have a say where McCarthy will go. And none of this changes the idea Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye may be picked ahead of McCarthy.

But now we know what quarterback would go first if Harbaugh had a say.