J.J. McCarthy’s support skyrockets following the Combine

Mock drafters approve of the McCarthy-Giants hype.

Our post-NFL Scouting Combine New York Giants mock draft tracker reveals a significant shift in thought regarding Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Mock drafters are clearly believing the rumors coming out of Indianapolis that McCarthy, quarterback for the national champion Wolverines, may be the apple of Giants GM Joe Schoen’s eye.

In last week’s tracker, only two of 54 mock drafters (3.7%) selected McCarthy for the Giants. This week, 10 of 31 (32.2%) chose McCarthy as Daniel Jones’ long-term replacement. McCarthy was selected by the Giants in two of these mock drafts after trading up.

To create a true post-Combine mock draft that reflects current thinking about the 2024 NFL Draft, I removed mocks produced previous to the Combine. The tracker only contains mock drafts from this week.

Here are a few of the explanations from those who chose McCarthy for New York.

Chris Trapasso of CBS:

I can’t see Joe Schoen leaving this first round without a quarterback. McCarthy has sky-high upside.

Ian Valentino of 33rd Team:

Regardless of the money owed to Daniel Jones in 2024, the New York Giants won’t tie their future to the mediocre veteran longer than they have to. Between injuries and uneven play, coach Brian Daboll has to use this opportunity to find a replacement for Jones. If he doesn’t, he risks being on the hot seat soon.

Plugging J.J. McCarthy into an offense that is used to not asking much of its quarterback makes a lot of sense. McCarthy has notable concerns after Michigan won a national title without needing him to carry the offense. However, scouts and coaches love to develop players with great tools, and McCarthy is an above-average athlete with a strong arm.

New York can afford to sit McCarthy in 2024 while it continues rebuilding an offense that needs help at both guard spots and receiver. However, the Giants might be unable to keep him off the field for long if Jones continues to struggle.

Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News:

The Giants provide the first twist in the draft. They’ve been on record talking more about taking a QB to replace Daniel Jones as their franchise leader with this high of a pick. McCarthy met with the team at the combine before showing off his live arm with zip and accuracy. He would be a big passing upgrade from Jones and also bring his own brand of tough, athletic playmaking.

Malik Nabers, an LSU wide receiver, continues to be the Giants’ most frequently parodied athlete. He was selected eleven times (35.4%), one more than McCarthy. Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze was selected in five mock drafts (16.1%).

2024 Mock Draft Tracker