The story involving University of Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy has become interesting as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. Although former head coach Jim Harbaugh has consistently praised the rookie signal-caller, there may be a hidden motive, according to recent information from Jay Mack. Mack, who has close relationships with NFL agents, thinks that Harbaugh’s gushing praises of McCarthy are planned to improve McCarthy’s draft position.

By portraying McCarthy as a top-tier prospect, Harbaugh is setting up a situation where choosing him with the first few picks would be considered a stretch. This might increase McCarthy’s value and lead to a bidding war among teams hoping to sign him.

Harbaugh’s master plan: Boosting McCarthy’s value

“Jay Mack said what they’re doing basically is Harbaugh’s saying how great McCarthy is because if you like JJ McCarthy, he’d be a reach at one, two, or three,” Colin Cowherd stated in his podcast. “But at five, if he is a reach, it’s not a huge reach if he’s projected to be nine, 10, 11, 12. And all Harbaugh’s doing is saying, oh, this guy’s great.”

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McCarthy’s remarkable 2022 season stats (2,719 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 155.0 passer rating) and Harbaugh’s constant compliments of his abilities and potential seem to be a deliberate attempt to create demand for the young talent. This tactic might persuade organizations with lower draft selections—like the Los Angeles Chargers, who are positioned at No. 5 —to move up to obtain McCarthy.

Read more: Jim Harbaugh Blasted for Getting Rid of Chargers’ Starters, Leaving Justin Herbert in a Limbo

Following the 2023 season with a disappointing record of 7-10, the Chargers urgently need a franchise quarterback. They have the draft capital to move, as they have two first-round picks (No. 5 and 21). McCarthy is predicted to be picked later in the first round; thus, aiming for the fifth pick becomes more feasible, even though trading up to the top few spots would be too expensive. There is precedent for this kind of move thanks to the Miami Dolphins’ 2023 NFL Draft deal, which saw them go from No. 12 to No. 6 to choose Jaylen Waddle. A similar trade might be forthcoming if the Chargers think McCarthy is their quarterback of the future.

Though Justin Herbert has been the team’s main quarterback since his rookie year, things could get awkward if the Chargers choose to pick McCarthy. In his first three seasons, Herbert has thrown for over 14,000 yards and 94 touchdowns, which is an amazing total. The Chargers would have to think carefully about managing the relationship between McCarthy, a highly-touted rookie, and their entrenched starter.

The ripple effect on the draft

If Harbaugh’s scheme works, it might significantly impact what could be a prolonged, three-day draft. If teams start to believe that McCarthy is a must-have talent, there may be a bidding war for the Chargers’ fifth pick. The Chargers could then take advantage of their situation and acquire players or more draft money through a trade. McCarthy may also benefit from Harbaugh’s approach. The young quarterback could achieve a higher selection position and a more lucrative rookie deal by creating noise and raising his perceived value. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for the athlete and his college coach.

It remains to be seen if Harbaugh’s strategy materializes as the draft approaches. But one thing is for sure: the Chargers coach’s high regard for McCarthy has not gone ignored, and it might hold the key to revealing a draft-day surprise that could drastically alter the NFL for years to come.

Will other teams jump in and grab the desired quarterback, or will the Chargers accept the bait and move up for McCarthy? If they do, how will they handle the potential quarterback controversy with Justin Herbert? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the already exciting 2024 NFL Draft has become even more convoluted due to Jim Harbaugh’s covert goal.

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