With the 2024 NFL draft coming up at the end of April, most of the speculation about a potential trade has been all about Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos have been the focus, but Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy at Michigan last season as they won the national championship, has said publicly he would select McCarthy first overall.
In this first-round mock draft, we play out a scenario in which he decided he wants to coach McCarthy again. They select him fifth overall and then trade Justin Herbert to the Minnesota Vikings.
This is a crazy scenario, but it isn’t completely crazy.
Syndication: USA TODAY
This is a no-brainer. This selection will not be a surprise.
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The Commanders need a quarterback and the question is whether it is Daniels, McCarthy or Drake Maye. Daniels remains the favorite to be selected second overall.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterbacks go first, second and third overall as the Pats land their guy.
4. Arizona Cardinals — Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals have been the focus of trade speculation. While they could trade the pick to Minnesota or Denver to get McCarthy, the huge trade that the Chargers make mean the Cardinals can get Harrison, the perfect pick for them.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Harbaugh said he would select McCarthy first overall.
The Chargers trade Herbert to the Vikings for the 11th pick and a first-round pick in 2025 (allowing them to keep the 23rd pick). Then they select McCarthy, reuniting him with Harbaugh.
Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
The Giants get a receiver to help on offense.
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Alt to the Titans seems like a lock at this point.
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The Falcons take the first defender of the draft and add pass-rushing juice.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears get Williams a receiver to add to D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen.
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch during the third quarter as Auburn Tigers take on Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
This is a safe pick for the Jets who need someone to contribute now.
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The Chargers give McCarthy protection with the pick they got for Herbert.
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos might trade back after not getting McCarthy so they can target a different quarterback, but they get big on the defensive interior.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders add arguably the best corner in the draft.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints add protection for Derek Carr.
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They add DeJean to the secondary after selecting Julius Brents last year.
Alex Gallardo-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks haven’t had a good edge rusher in a while. Latu was the most productive in the draft over the last two seasons.
Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
The Jags needed to be better defensively and covering players is critical in a division with C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson.
Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
They lost D.J. Reader in free agency so Newton comes to the rescue.
Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) goes up against Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) during the third quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium.
They brought back Alaric Jackson but they have to protect Matthew Stafford.
Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
If they want Russell Wilson to cook and if they want to run the football like they have, they need strong tackle play. Latham gives them that.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Cardinals’ two biggest needs entering the draft were receiver and the defensive edge. They didn’t want to lose out on a pass rusher like Verse, who had been falling. They move up six spots and deal one of their third-round picks to the Dolphins to move up to 21.
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The Eagles need secondary help. They add major speed and athleticism with Wiggins.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings are okay at center with Garrett Bradbury but could move him to guard for Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson could also slide in at guard to protect Herbert.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys said goodbye to Tyron Smith. They add a tackle.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
They give Jordan Love some protection with positional versatility.
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucs don’t need a receiver but Chris Godwin enters the final year of his contract and Thomas has length and speed. Why not add weapons for Baker Mayfield?
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
After moving back six spots, they add tackle help when right tackle is a question mark entering 2024.
Texas Longhorns wide receivers Adonai Mitchell (5) and Xavier Worthy (1) celebrate a touchdown by Mitchell during the Big 12 Championship game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T stadium on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Arlington.
How can the Bills turn down record-setting speed when they need receiver help for Josh Allen?
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The Lions add secondary help. Emmanuel Moseley has played in only five games the last two seasons. With McKinstry, they won’t have to count on him.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s never a bad idea to add help on the offensive line for Lamar Jackson.
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
The Niners add some more talent to the secondary.
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
They added Hollywood Brown in free agency but this selection means more now with the uncertainty about the Rashee Rice situation in Texas.
2024-03-31 20:05:00
#Chargers #trade #Justin #Herbert #draft #J.J #McCarthy
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