With rumors swirling about the quarterback prospects of the New York Giants, the excitement around the 2024 NFL Draft has reached a fever pitch. Tiki Barber, a former running back for the Giants, wasn’t holding back when he spoke about Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
Barber made his position apparent in a recent appearance on WFAN, even though the Giants had evaluated a number of quarterback prospects in-depth, including sending assistant general manager Brandon Brown to McCarthy’s pro day: “Not happening. Just saying. Not taking place. I’m not interested in him.
Barber has misgivings because he feels that McCarthy’s on-screen performance does not live up to the hoopla surrounding the quarterback. Barber claims that McCarthy’s game doesn’t have the characteristics of a quarterback selected in the first round and that it is illogical to give up important assets in order to select him.
New York Giants Tiki Barber is willing to say he’s not buying that Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy will thrive at the NFL level. pic.twitter.com/tlOqRhzs9X
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 14, 2024
The main reason for the heated discussion around McCarthy’s draft prospects is Michigan’s offensive scheme, which prioritizes running the ball over passing the passer. McCarthy enters the NFL draft as a projection despite starting for two seasons at Michigan. Analysts have doubts about the accuracy of his draft profile, especially in light of his comparatively low number of pass attempts per game.
McCarthy’s ascent in the draft rankings, according to Barber, was a “smokescreen,” caused by Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s high regard for him. Barber believes that McCarthy’s performance isn’t deep enough to be successful in the professional game, especially when it comes to executing intricate passing routes and making second- and third-level reads.
Despite having the sixth overall pick in the forthcoming draft, Barber’s comments imply that the Giants do not think McCarthy is their first pick. The Giants’ draft plan is still up for debate, with less than two weeks until draft day, and both fans and pundits are curious to see how it plays out.
Barber’s critique of McCarthy injects complexity into the ongoing discourse about McCarthy’s NFL potential and the Giants’ draft strategy. His insights prompt reflection on the alignment between McCarthy’s collegiate performance and his projected professional trajectory, sparking further speculation about the Giants’ draft intentions.
As draft day approaches, Barber’s perspective serves as a valuable contribution to the broader conversation, shaping perspectives and influencing expectations surrounding McCarthy’s future in the NFL and the Giants’ role in shaping it.
Sarah’s View:
Amidst swirling rumors about the New York Giants’ quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, former Giants running back Tiki Barber didn’t mince words when discussing Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Despite the Giants’ thorough evaluations, including sending personnel to McCarthy’s pro day, Barber expressed clear skepticism, stating, “Not happening.” He cited concerns about McCarthy’s on-field performance not matching the hype surrounding him, particularly questioning his suitability for a first-round selection. The debate centers on McCarthy’s fit within Michigan’s run-heavy offensive scheme and uncertainties about his transition to the NFL. Barber’s critique adds depth to discussions surrounding McCarthy’s draft potential and the Giants’ draft strategy as the countdown to draft day intensifies.
