“I’m always about playing for the guys that came before and the guys who built the foundation to where it is right now.” JJ McCarthy did just this when it came to continuing Tom Brady’s legacy with the Michigan Wolverines. And for quite some time now, it seemed like the 21-year-old would continue following in the legend’s footsteps. Especially after his revelation about his relationship with Brady. But in the build-up to the 2024 NFL draft, it looks like McCarthy sees his future playing out a little differently.

“Tom and I have a great relationship,” McCarthy told Adam Schefter, adding that “being a part of the New England Patriots? That means everything.” Considering the young quarterback said this, as well as his “amazing” pre-draft interview with the Patriots, almost all signs pointed to a future in Massachusetts. “Coach Mayo was just an awesome guy. You could definitely tell he’s been around this process a long time and been a part of it. Just great interactions.” So why does the signal caller feel he has a better chance of being drafted by the New York Giants?

In an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show before the draft, Eisen asked JJ McCarthy where he felt he would end up. “The New York Giants,” McCarthy confessed. “I’ve met with them twice. I’ve spent most of my time with them. They’re a phenomenal staff. I love Coach [Brian] Daboll, love Mr. Schoen, love Coach Tierney, Coach Kafka – Chicago guy.” Just as his meeting with the Patriots, McCarthy’s interview with the Giants went well, too. But forming an instant connection with them isn’t the only reason he’s re-writing the narrative of where he sees himself.

“Just being able to go in there pretty much know most of the install because Coach Daboll came from Alabama and Coach [Josh] Gattis (former Michigan OC) came to Michigan from Alabama. So, similar formations, motions, plays. So, being able to get that install in was great,” McCarthy added. This might come as a surprise because of another Brady-related connection.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated that the Patriots might take McCarthy off the board if Robert Kraft sees Brady-like qualities in him. While he may not be the No.3 overall pick, Fowler said, “I was reminded Tuesday night to not totally discount Robert Kraft’s affinity for Tom Brady, who might see shades of himself in McCarthy, a fellow Michigan product. The Patriots could trade back and acquire McCarthy with a later pick.” But if something McCarthy’s former coach Jim Harbaugh said recently is true, the Patriots may not get that second chance.

“I think he’s the best quarterback in the draft,” said Harbaugh. “There are great quarterbacks in the draft, but I think he plays quarterback the best of any quarterback in the draft.” This means that the Giants need to figure out if McCarthy is worthy of that No.6 overall pick. And if he’s the right fit to replace Daniel Jones. If they pass him up, the Giants risk losing the opportunity to draft McCarthy – or any top quarterback, for that matter (a situation that needs fixing in the team) – to the likes of the Vikings or the Broncos.

However, if JJ McCarthy ends up with the Giants, Coach Daboll’s familiarity with the CFB ways would smooth out the signal caller’s navigation in the NFL in his initial days. Especially considering he’s worked under former Michigan OC Josh Gattis and his Alabama ways. Coach Daboll & Co. is likely already sold on drafting JJ McCarthy. And the quarterback’s affinity toward the team seems high, too. The only thing stopping the Giants are the teams ahead of them.

Can the Giants get JJ McCarthy?

During the NFL Combine in March and all the pre-draft interviews and meetings that have subsequently happened, JJ McCarthy’s draft stock has only risen, with many teams sold on the fact that the former Wolverine is the real deal. While the Giants met with him during the Combine and challenged him to showcase his football knowledge, McCarthy impressed more than just New York.

NFL Network’s draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranked JJ McCarthy as the 20th prospect in his final draft board rankings ahead of Thursday night. The only QBs ranked ahead of him were Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels, all of whom are pitted to be drafted as the first, second, and third overall picks. However, with JJ having slowly joined the fray, the Commanders at No.2 and the Patriots at No. 3 could also threaten the Giants’ chances of drafting McCarthy.

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However, Joe Schoen & Co. can rest assured that Harbaugh’s Chargers in No.5 wouldn’t be a problem. They already have Justin Herbert taking charge in Los Angeles. That said, if the Giants don’t get either Maye, Daniels, or McCarthy, head coach Brian Daboll will likely find himself in a precocious place with their quarterback situation.