Jim Harbaugh’s Sly Tactics Behind Skyrocketing J.J McCarthy’s Draft Stock Unmasked as Chargers Eye Masterstroke

JJ McCarthy’s draft stocks embodied a shazam, skyrocketing overnight. Many were elated, while others were wrapping their heads around it. Surely, McCarthy starting for a team that won a National Championship with an untainted record paved the way. His impressive numbers at the NFL Combine and Michigan Pro Day also did their bit, embellishing him as one of the top 10 picks. However, the brows rose when the QB was touted as the 2nd pick following Caleb Williams. Diving head-first into the reasons behind the sudden upheaval in JJ McCarthy’s draft stocks, Colin Cowherd and John Middlekauff went back and forth about all the praise surrounding McCarthy’s praise. Especially from one person, Jim Harbaugh.

Since the National Championship win, Jim Harbaugh practically can’t stop raving about the QB. He believed McCarthy to be “the best QB Michigan has seen”, while McCarthy became “the best I’ve ever seen a quarterback do at a pro day,” after his Pro-Day performance.

But is there more to this praise than what comes to the eyes? Maybe there’s a hidden benefit that his team Chargers might get. Cowherd and his guest dissect the possibilities. “He wants you to spend more to get his fifth pick,” Colin Cowherd said on his podcast. Per the report, Jim Harbaugh is leveraging the increasing draft stocks of McCarthy to secure the pick he wants in the NFL draft, be it the 9th or the 5th. Harbaugh wanting to get his hands on a WR suited best for his roster is no secret. The problem is the draft pick they have- No. 5!

Jim Harbaugh and the draft pick No.5

With the NFL draft only two months away, one of the most sizzling queries surrounding the three-day meet is about Jim Harbaugh’s decision to trade down from his 5th pick. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected the Chargers trading down with the Chicago Bears. Per him, the franchise would move back to No. 9 in the first round and would also receive a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth.

The move would come majorly because of the uncertainty surrounding the Chargers pick at number 5. The Chargers’ preference toward WR paired with the need of other teams for a suitable QB, is something the Chargers are expected to act upon. Maybe the top three QBs, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, go as the first three picks.

READ ALSO: NFL Draft News: Vikings Emerge as “Heavy Favorites” to Sign J.J McCarthy as Giants & Commanders Dealt Crushing Blow

The Cardinals are also looking forward to hiring Marvin Harrison Jr. to at No.4. The teams looking forward to securing McCarthy are likely to jump to the 5th pick, like the New York Giants. Jim Harbaugh’s suspected sly move will not only benefit the Chargers but also him since he would get drafted by an NFL heavyweight. A win-win for both.

READ MORE: J.J. McCarthy’s Pro Day Performance Boosts Draft Stock Amid Giants Interest With Impressive 60+ Yard Pass to Blake Corum