NFL Draft analyst Field Yates thinks Giants' interest in J.J. McCarthy is 'very real'

The Giants have dropped hints that they’re interested in selecting former Michigan star J.J. McCarthy, but he may not be there when they select at No. 6 in the NFL Draft. It’s why ESPN analyst Field Yates believes New York may be thinking about moving up for the Wolverines QB.

There’s a lot involved in deciding on whether to draft McCarthy, who helped lead Michigan to the college football championship back in January. The Giants already have (the oft-injured) Daniel Jones at quarterback. Last year, the team signed him to a new, four-year, $160 million contract following a playoff season in 2022. But you miss the playoffs and suddenly, the current quarterback needs replacing.

And, McCarthy probably won’t be around when the Giants select at No. 6. New York likely would need to swap picks, probably with either the Cardinals at No. 4 or the Chargers at No. 5. Neither team needs a quarterback. Meanwhile, the top three teams in the NFL draft — the Bears, Commanders and Patriots — all need quarterbacks. That’s why many believe Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye will be gone, quickly, once the first round starts, April 25.

McCarthy should be first Wolverine off draft board

Yates, the ESPN draft analyst, spoke about McCarthy this week during a teleconference with NFL writers. McCarthy was a popular topic. He should be the first Wolverine off the board in what promises to be a blockbuster draft for ex Michigan players.

The Cardinals likely will need to figure out what to do with the fourth pick. Then the Giants must reach a decision on quarterback.

“I’ll start with the Giants, the potential for interest in JJ McCarthy, I think, it’s very real,” Yates said. “You know, I don’t necessarily put stock into everything that owners say publicly or GMs or head coaches, (what they) say publicly. But the Giants have not shied away from the fact that despite their statements that Daniel Jones was their starter … when he’s healthy, they left the door open. I mean … the team owner says that he’s basically authorized his GM and head coach to take a quarterback if they feel like that is the best position for them in the first round. That to me says the green light is there if an opportunity knocks.”

Yates thinks Cardinals may play Giants, Vikings against each other in first round of NFL Draft

The opportunity could be there. But the Giants could have some competition for McCarthy, who presumably is the fourth-best quarterback in the class. The Vikings, which lost Kirk Cousins to the Falcons in free agency, also are in the market for a quarterback.

Meanwhile, if the Giants do decide on McCarthy, what are they going to do with Jones?

Yates said: “Daniel Jones is going to get a lot of money coming his way this year. That is guaranteed and obviously, if you take a quarterback, it’s at least a little bit of an admission that you wish you had not signed that deal last offseason.

“But if you had a directive from your ownership is to get back into the playoff mix ASAP. And you feel like a quarterback could help get you there because you believe in this revamped pass rush and the overall look of your defense under a new coordinator. Then maybe you do feel like there’s a chance that a quarterback move up is worth it.”

Yates believe the Cardinals could “parlay” the Giants and Vikings against each other. It’s just economics. Competition drives up the cost of moving up to fourth in the first round of the NFL Draft.

“You’re going to make this a bidding war,” Yates said. “So I would just be very, very careful about paying too much. But it’s easy for me to say, right. It’s so easy for me to say … don’t give up the farm for the fourth overall pick.

“But, if you also told me that my job is on the line,” Yates added. “I’m feeling the pressure of a significant improvement needed. Then I might be inclined to move and you know, (give) a number of picks besides six to get up to number four.”

To be sure, it’s an NFL Draft storyline to watch. The draft is now is less than three weeks away. To follow On3 draft coverage, click it here.