WATCH: NFL-bound QB J.J. McCarthy shares special moment with Michigan fans signing Wolverines gear

On the back of his pro day showing, Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy has seen his draft stock rise dramatically in the past few weeks, and he recently visited the Washington Commanders.

On his way back from the visit, the quarterback shared a special moment with Michigan fans at the airport, where he stopped to sign their merchandise while talking to the group of Wolverines fans.

Jim Harbaugh hypes J.J. McCarthy

At the start of last season, the Michigan Wolverines were seen as one of the most talented teams in college football, but one of the question marks was at the quarterback position.

Several analysts predicted that the Wolverines would not have a successful season because they didn't have a talented enough quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who could consistently lead them to important wins.

Then Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was one of the quarterback's fiercest defenders and even called McCarthy the best-ever quarterback to have worn Michigan colors. High praise considering the fact that Tom Brady played there.

During a recent league meeting, the now-Los Angeles Chargers coach continued to praise his former field general, calling him the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft.

"I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft," said Harbaugh. "He's incredible. So, big market, small market. Cold weather, hot weather, it won't matter."

McCarthy stepped up in a big way and finished the season having thrown for 2,630 yards, resulting in 19 touchdowns and four interceptions on 74.2% completion, by far the best among the top cadre of quarterbacks in the draft.

J.J. McCarthy led the Wolverines to a stirring national championship game win against the Washington Huskies, even amid the various scandals that plagued Michigan's season.

Clips of McCarthy's incredible throws during pro day went viral on various social media platforms, perhaps elevating his draft stock.

"That was the best throwing day I've ever seen," Harbaugh said. "Like I predicted, once they were around him (McCarthy), 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."

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper recently predicted that J.J. McCarthy would be picked No. 11 by the Minnesota Vikings, behind the likes of Drake Maye, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and former Heisman winner Caleb Williams.