If Jim Harbaugh is indeed the next coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, drafting his Michigan quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, would be an unsurprising move. Just another scenario in which a coach for the Silver and Black gets a reunion with a familiar face. By now, you’re familiar with the possibility of Antonio Pierce coaching Jayden Daniels at the NFL level—Harbaugh and McCarthy would make just as much, if not more, sense.
Let’s face it, the Harbaugh rumors continue to make headway across social media. Does that mean it’s going to happen? Of course. No one knows what Raiders owner Mark Davis is going to do. Still, a scenario in which Harbaugh opts to bring in his college signal-caller could be a possibility. He might not garner headlines like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, but J.J. McCarthy is more than capable and could be a Day 2 steal for the Raiders.
Should the Raiders go with Jim Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy?
While McCarthy could return to Michigan, the lure of the NFL might be too much for him to pass. If that’s the case, the Raiders would make sense if Davis did indeed call on Harbaugh.
NFL Draft analyst Hunter Haas not that long ago sang McCarthy’s praises:
“In 2023, he’s blossomed into an even better prospect with far more responsibility on his plate. Michigan still lives and dies by the ground game, but McCarthy’s development as a passer, including added comfort when improvising, has transformed the Wolverines into a juggernaut.”
“McCarthy has always had immense physical traits. His arm is powerful enough to reach every level of the defense, showing a better understanding of layering his throws and keeping defenders on their toes. As a scrambler, the Michigan star does what’s necessary to gain yardage when plays break down.”
What are players saying about Harbaugh?
As far as Harbaugh goes, he’s garnering plenty of headlines himself. Most recently, one of his former players during his time with the San Francisco 49ers had plenty of praise for Harbaugh. While appearing with insider Hondo Carpenter on his podcast, Braylon Edwards commented on the changes he’s seen with Harbaugh.
“From the time that he got to Michigan to who he is now, you’ve seen a difference in Jim Harbaugh. A lot of the players early on in his first 5 or 6 years didn’t feel like the doors were open for them to just come in. They didn’t feel like they could just have conversations, add input, or disagree with things.”
“If you look at Jim now, the door is open. Look how players now talk about Jim Harbaugh. They love Jim Harbaugh. Look at him after meetings. He always takes the microphone. He’s giving the shine to them. He’s made it about the kids. He’s made it about the program. They talk differently about him now.”
It sounds like Harbaugh has changed since his days with the 49ers. Do with that information what you will, Raider Nation.
*Top Photo: Joe Rondone/The Republic
