Would Jim Harbaugh Bring ‘Next Tom Brady’ to Falcons?

Could the Falcons targeting Jim Harbaugh as its head coach indicate the team's interest in drafting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy?

The Atlanta Falcons have been linked to head coach Jim Harbaugh, but could that also mean an increased likelihood that they draft his current quarterback, first-round prospect J.J. McCarthy?

Harbaugh has been complimentary of his college quarterback, comparing him to fellow Michigan alum Tom Brady.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on during the second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 :: Credit: © Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

"Tom Brady is the greatest football player of all time," Harbaugh said following Michigan's Rose Bowl win. "He’s lapped the field. He’s lapped the field a full lap. J.J. has a long way to go to get to that. But in terms of who I think is the best college quarterback in the 144-year history of Michigan football, I’m nominating J.J. McCarthy."

Tom Brady is the greatest QB to ever play for Michigan. 🐐

But Jim Harbaugh reiterates that J.J. McCarthy owns the best college career in @UMichFootball history. pic.twitter.com/LSzc5uxz5t

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 2, 2024

Brady responded on Instagram by commenting, “Go Blue!!! No Doubt!!!” Although McCarthy may not be the Brady that the NFL came to know right now, he is undeniably the better prospect when compared to Brady and his Michigan days.

McCarthy was a four-star quarterback recruit coming out of high school. In his college career, he more than lived up to the hype. He completed 67.6 percent of his passes for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while posting a 27-1 record as a starter.

On the other hand, Brady completed 61.9 percent of his passes in college for 4,773 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions before getting drafted in the sixth round No. 199 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. 

Caleb Williams and Drake may receive most of the hype in this quarterback class. Still, McCarthy has perhaps the highest upside beyond them, considering that he is only a 20-year-old junior and was an elite college quarterback, like Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr., who are both projected first-rounders but are already 23 years old.

Along with youth comes upside, but also growing pains. At this moment, Atlanta holds the number eight overall pick, which may be too high, considering where McCarthy is currently projected to be drafted in the first round, but considering the chemistry and praise Harbaugh has given McCarthy over the years, it would make sense for him to target him if he becomes the Falcons head coach.

Trading back in the first round to acquire additional assets could be a blessing for Atlanta, who, although stacked at offensive skill positions, could still use some quality defensive players to go alongside All-Pro Jesse Bates III.

Falcons Hiring Harbaugh? Here's Why It Makes Sense

If the Falcons manage to land Harbaugh, one of the biggest fish in the coaching pool, don't be surprised if McCarthy is the team's quarterback of the future. Never doubt the bond between a coach and his quarterback; Williams followed his coach from Oklahoma to USC in college, and Harbaugh would likely like to do the same at the NFL level if given a chance.

Considering how abysmal quarterback play has been in Atllately late, landing a proven winning quarterback who's already garnered comparisons to the GOAT and earned his stamp of approval at the age of 20 could set the franchise up for decades' worth of championship contention.