Daniel Jones’ NFL career has been marked by disappointment and injury. The first-round draft pick for the New York Giants only appeared in six games in his fifth season due to being sidelined by injury. Despite signing a four-year contract extension, Jones’ future with the team is now uncertain. The focus has shifted to upcoming quarterback prospects in the NFL Draft, with Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy being top contenders. McCarthy, who led the Michigan Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship, is now being projected as a potential top-10 draft pick, much to the chagrin of Giants legend Tiki Barber.
The Giants finished the season with a 6-11 record and hold the sixth overall draft pick, leading to speculation that they may choose to draft a quarterback. McCarthy could potentially be a target for the team at No. 6, although Barber has been vocal in his opposition to the idea. Barber does not believe that McCarthy’s skills will translate well to the NFL level, attributing much of his positive attention to his former coach, Jim Harbaugh. Despite his success at Michigan, McCarthy’s film does not necessarily support the idea that he is a first-round quarterback, according to Barber, who sees the hype around him as a smokescreen.
In addition to Williams and McCarthy, other quarterback prospects like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are expected to be drafted shortly after the top picks. Michael Penix Jr. from Washington is also in consideration for the first round, although his injury history may give some teams pause. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are potential candidates to trade up for a quarterback, as well as the Giants, who may be looking for a successor to Jones. With Kirk Cousins now with the Atlanta Falcons and Russell Wilson released by the Broncos, the quarterback landscape in the NFL is shifting.
Despite Michigan’s reliance on its running backs during McCarthy’s time as quarterback, he has shown the ability to make accurate throws and finished the 2023 season with nearly 3,000 passing yards. Initially projected as a second- or third-round draft pick, McCarthy’s stock has risen and he is now a contender for a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. The NFL Draft is set to begin on April 24, and the selection of quarterbacks is sure to be a focal point. Stay updated on the latest in sports news by following Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
