Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh Said What About J.J. McCarthy?

There is a lot of hype surrounding Michigan quarterback (QB) J.J. McCarthy.

Already, over 20% of NFL Draft Platforms have put a first-round grade on him. Included in this list are Pro Football Network, CBS, The Athletic, 33rd Team, and Bleacher Report.

However, it’s not just draft writers this time who are hyping McCarthy.

Michigan Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh is doing it too. According to CBS Sports, Harbaugh referred to him as a ‘once-in-a-generational type of quarterback at Michigan.”

USA Today had an article stating that a generation is 15-20 years.

To properly frame that statement we must look at who’s been under center at Michigan in the last 20 years: John Navarre, Chad Henne, Ryan Mallet, Nick Sheridan, Steven Threet, Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson, Devin Gardner, Jake Rudock, Wilton Speight, John O’Korn, Shea Patterson, and Cade McNamara.

I am a football guy and I’ve heard of five names on this list.

But wait, that’s not all

I can understand trying to build up McCarthy’s confidence, but that’s not where it ended.

In that same article, Harbaugh stated, “I think there’s some comparison to Patrick Mahomes [and] Josh Allen.”

It’s only fair to provide the full context.

Harbaugh went on to say, “and I know there are others that have that level of talent-plus at the quarterback position to do anything for their team,” Harbaugh said. “I base that off of watching the way that Patrick Mahomes interacts with his teammates, what he says about his teammates, and what they say about him. Josh Allen, what they say about him and about his teammates. That’s what I see in J.J. McCarthy every single day.”

This is the kicker

All of those carefully chosen words are one thing and I do understand the risk of scouts stepping into the world of coaching and trying to “talk coach,” but with all that said, I am stepping into this one.

In that same article, Harbaugh says, “Everything he does throwing the football [is] at the elite level.”

Hold up.

How can he say that when his QB is coming off a two-pick six performance in his most recent outing in the Fiesta Bowl in a 51-45 loss to TCU, when McCarthy cost his team two touchdowns?

Not to mention, in that big game, McCarthy had a total of eight passes disrupted that I charted.

Is it true what TCU Head Coach Sonny Dykes said in the picture up above?

Did McCarthy get exposed when Michigan had to lean too heavily on him to pass?

Opposing defenses were able to disrupt 21 of McCarthy’s passes in the 10 games (2.1 per game average) I’ve evaluated in 2022. Outside of that, too many of his passes did not put his receivers in an optimum position to gain yardage after the catch – – they were too high – – or came in low.

McCarthy’s throwing mechanics are not elite

– Happy feet (difficult for him to just set his feet and throw)

– Tendency to lock in with receivers

– Inconsistent release time

I’m also concerned about how he seemed more relaxed in the pocket in some games (UCONN, Hawaii) than others (TCU).

#9 J.J.McCarthy 6-foot-3, 202 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Summer 2023 Grade: Sixth-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 20.2% (up from 17.4% on May 19) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of August 6, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Previous 5 games reviewed (2022): Question Marks Surround Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy

Additional 2022 game film reviewed: TCU, Illinois, UCONN, Hawaii, and Nebraska (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 208/322 (64.4%), 2719 yards, 22 TD, 5 INT, 12 sacks, long-75

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Athletic competitive dual threat with average mechanics and downfield ball placement. A lot of nervous energy and movement. Easily spooked in the pocket. Fumbled three times (two snaps), but all three were recovered. Plays an exciting brand of football. Inconsistent progressions. All or nothing type of passer. Decent, but not great arm strength. Seemed like receivers had to wait on some of his throws. Mixed downfield results. Seemed to struggle with pressure in his face. Is able to create and extend. Best rolling to his right. Can pick up chunks of yardage on the ground. Legit runner. Good football playing speed.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Footwork in the pocket?

2. Holding the ball too long?

3. Locking in with receivers?

4. Ball security?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.