New York Giants Projected to Trade Up for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy in 2024 NFL Mock Draft

With the 2024 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy finds himself at the center of attention. Once considered a late first-round or early second-round pick, McCarthy's draft stock has soared in recent months, with many experts now projecting him to be selected within the top 10 picks.

NFL Network insider Peter Schrager, known for his accurate predictions, has released his latest mock draft, which has the New York Giants trading up two spots with the Arizona Cardinals to select McCarthy with the 4th overall pick. According to Schrager, the Giants would give up a third-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick to secure the Michigan quarterback.

McCarthy's rise in mock drafts can be attributed to his impressive pro day performance, where he showcased his arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make off-platform throws. Despite some concerns about his consistency and the level of trust his college coach, Jim Harbaugh, had in him, McCarthy's potential has caught the attention of NFL teams.

The Giants' potential interest in McCarthy suggests that they may be looking to move on from their current starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, whose contract they can opt out of after the upcoming season. With a strong coaching staff in place, the Giants could provide an ideal environment for McCarthy to develop his skills at the professional level.

Why this matters: The 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-heavy event, with several teams in need of a franchise signal-caller. If the Giants do indeed trade up to select J.J. McCarthy, it could have a ripple effect on the rest of the draft, potentially impacting the plans of other quarterback-needy teams.

While opinions on McCarthy's NFL readiness vary among coaches and executives, his physical tools and potential have made him a intriguing prospect. "He won't get past pick 5 or 6," an NFC executive told ESPN, citing McCarthy's anticipation, decision-making, preparation, and ability to process the game as key strengths.

When the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Giants and their potential pursuit of J.J. McCarthy. With the quarterback position being a hallmark of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Michigan standout's landing spot could have significant implications for the future of the league.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy's draft stock has soared, projected top-10 pick
• NFL insider Schrager's mock draft has Giants trading up to select McCarthy 4th overall
• McCarthy's pro day performance boosted his draft stock despite consistency concerns
• Giants' interest in McCarthy suggests they may move on from QB Daniel Jones
• 2024 NFL Draft is QB-heavy, McCarthy's landing spot could impact other teams