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Kris Rhim, ESPN
ORLANDO, Fla. — Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh continued his praise for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at the league meeting Monday, calling McCarthy’s pro day the best he has ever seen and doubling down on his belief that he is the best quarterback in the NFL draft.
“I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft,” said Harbaugh, seemingly emphasizing McCarthy’s command of an offense. “He’s incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won’t matter.”
Harbaugh and McCarthy led Michigan to the national championship in January before Harbaugh left for the NFL. Since then, Harbaugh has touted his former quarterback’s skills at every opportunity. Monday was the latest example, as Harbaugh cited the various scouts and general managers surprised at how well McCarthy threw and impressed them in meetings.
“That was the best throwing day I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh said. “Like I predicted, once they were around him, I was hearing the stories about how he is on the board, how he is on the field, the little things, the intangibles. I mean, it was absolutely no surprise whatsoever. But yeah, there was raving, and it was great to hear and incredible to hear.”
A clip of a 60-yard pass to running back Blake Corum from McCarthy’s pro day went viral; it was the kind of throw McCarthy told reporters he wanted to prove he could complete.
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest mock draft projects McCarthy going No. 11 to the Minnesota Vikings. Kiper has quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye going ahead of McCarthy.