Michigan Makes History as Jim Harbaugh’s 1st NFL Combine in a Decade Could Help the Chargers

Jim Harbaugh’s former team is making waves! With the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine underway, Harbaugh will attend his first in a decade. Now that he has recently taken up the mantle of HC of the Chargers, it will be a golden opportunity. Meanwhile, the Wolverines are making headlines with their record numbers. 

A hefty pack of Wolverines is gearing up to transition to the next level. They made their presence certainly felt at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. They can boast of most players from one school in the same year since 2003 at 18. While Michigan boasts an impressive roster of prospects, the SEC still led the pack with 75 invitees. The Big Ten closely followed them with 59, bolstered by Michigan’s significant contingent. But did Harbaugh predict this?

Back in July 2023, stated very confidently that the Michigan Wolverines would break the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2022 record of 15 players taken in a single NFL Draft. And that’s what happened! As per the information available, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and defensive tackle Kris Jenkins of the 18 players are likely to be picked in the first round.

Below are the 18 Michigan Wolverines players who were invited to the 2024 NFL Combine:

• J.J. McCarthy, QB
• Blake Corum, RB
• Cornelius Johnson, WR
• Roman Wilson, WR
• AJ Barner, TE
• Karsen Barnhart, OL
• LaDarius Henderson, OL
• Trente Jones, OL
• Trevor Keegan, OL
• Drake Nugent, OL
• Zak Zinter, OL
• Jaylen Harrell, DE
• Braiden McGregor, DE
• Kris Jenkins, DT
• Michael Barrett, LB
• Junior Colson, LB
• Mike Sainristil, DB
• Josh Wallace, DB

The 2023 record for most players sent to the NFL Combine was held by LSU for sending 16 players.

With such a strong showing on the Wolverines’ side, Harbaugh, now with the Chargers, may find himself eyeing some familiar faces for draft day. The No. 5 overall pick presents an irresistible opportunity. With Michigan’s talent pool on display at the Combine, Harbaugh will undoubtedly have some tough decisions as he navigates the draft landscape. However, there are some other questions as well that the Los Angeles team will have to tackle.

Two looming problems for the Chargers

The Chargers face a significant cap challenge as they head into the new league year. The new 2024 salary cap has been set at $255.4 million. Despite the increase, they remain roughly $31.7 million over the cap. They recently restructured Corey Linsley’s contract, initiating cap-saving measures, potentially saving $10.29 million.

However, decisions regarding high-cap players like Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa are still pending, raising questions about potential cuts, extensions, or trades. These moves will significantly impact the team’s free agency plans.

Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the Chargers’ draft strategy, particularly their No. 5 pick. Under the new coaching regime, a renewed focus on the run game and O-line has emerged. This suggests a vital consideration for an OT in the draft, given the emphasis on beefing up the run game and protecting QB Justin Herbert. However, with the potential to trade down and accumulate more draft capital, the Chargers’ draft strategy remains fluid.

Ultimately, the draft pick will be a pivotal decision that sets the tone for the Chargers under their new leadership.

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