Selecting a quarterback from the 2024 NFL Draft isn’t an urgent task for the Giants, given their current roster setup. The trend in the NFL leans heavily towards valuing experience, yet the Giants find themselves in a position where they can afford to diverge from the norm. With the sixth pick in the first round, their strategy could very well involve looking towards the future, envisioning the growth and potential of their pick a few years down the line rather than immediate impact.
The Giants are set with Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback, assuming his recovery from ACL surgery goes as planned. Drew Lock has been brought on board to back him up, and Tommy DeVito remains an option as well. This setup allows any rookie quarterback joining the team the luxury to immerse themselves in the NFL environment gradually—learning, observing, and evolving without the pressure of immediate game play.
This approach could lead the Giants to consider J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. At 21, McCarthy is the youngest among the top-rated quarterbacks in his draft class, bringing a fresh perspective and potential for growth. Despite Michigan’s 27-1 record with McCarthy, his role wasn’t as the star of the show, with the team’s strategy leaning more towards the run game. This makes McCarthy an intriguing prospect, as his capabilities might not have been fully showcased, presenting a bit of a mystery compared to his peers who had more opportunities to dominate games with their passing.
McCarthy’s youth is a significant factor, as he will play the entire 2024 NFL season at 21, offering him ample time to develop physically without the need to rush onto the field. His college career, while not as pass-heavy as some of his counterparts, still displayed his ability to make NFL-caliber throws. Compared to others, McCarthy’s 713 pass attempts at Michigan are on the lower end, but this doesn’t detract from the potential seen in his gameplay.
The Giants’ history with quarterbacks shows a mixed approach. Eli Manning’s transition in 2004 and Daniel Jones’s selection in 2019 highlight different strategies in integrating new quarterbacks into the team. With McCarthy, the Giants have the opportunity to patiently mold a quarterback who could lead the team in the future, leveraging his potential and the time they can afford to develop him.
As draft day approaches, speculation continues to swirl around McCarthy’s prospects. Initially thought to be a possible late first-round pick, the growing buzz suggests he might not even be available by the time the Giants make their selection. However, should the Giants decide to invest in McCarthy, they are in an enviable position to nurture his talents at a measured pace, potentially setting the stage for a successful quarterback transition in the years to come.