Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has “somewhat of an idea” of where he’ll land in 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday after his recent visit with the Giants went very well.
McCarthy, who is projected as a top-10 pick, explained that he spent the most time with the Giants — who own the No. 6 overall pick — compared to other personal visits with the Commanders and Patriots, which have the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks, respectively.
“I mean, I have somewhat of an idea,” McCarthy, 21, said when asked if he knows where he’ll land during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show” Wednesday in Detroit, home of this weekend’s draft. “New York Giants, I’ve spent the most time with. They’re a phenomenal staff — love Coach [Brian] Daboll, love [GM] Mr. [Joe] Schoen, love [quarterbacks] Coach [Shea] Tierney, [offensive coordinator] Coach Kafka — Chicago guy.
“Just being able to go in there, pretty much know all the install because Coach Daboll came from Alabama and coach [Josh] Gattis came to Michigan from Alabama. So similar formations, motions, plays, all that stuff.
“Being able to get that install in was great. I met with them twice, it’s been amazing just throwing on Easter. Never did that before, but it was sweet.”
McCarthy’s draft stock continued to rise in the days leading up to the draft — with some reports saying he could be selected as high as No. 3 by New England, which is in need of a quarterback after trading away first-round pick Mac Jones before his rookie contract expired.
Washington is also looking to add a franchise quarterback after trading away quarterback Sam Howell this offseason.
The Giants’ first-round selection will answer their Daniel Jones question, as their franchise quarterback — who they signed to a four-year extension in March 2023 — struggled before he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
McCarthy briefly mentioned the Vikings, which own the No. 11 pick, and the Broncos at No. 12 overall.
“It would be an honor to play for any of these teams, but it will just come down to — that’s the funny thing about the process: they get to choose,” he said. “I’ll be grateful wherever I go and make the most of it.”
McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to a national title in his final season, is set to go No. 5 overall to the QB-needy Vikings (via the Chargers) in The Post’s final NFL Mock Draft.
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The Broncos made a trade for quarterback Zach Wilson and the No. 256 overall pick, sending pick 207 to Jets earlier this week.
“I’m just trying to soak it all in because you only get to do this once,” McCarthy said. “Obviously, making my rounds … going to every coach and telling them how much I appreciate them for how much they’ve done throughout this process.
“We’re just going through this whole process of being a ‘GAM,’ a grown ass man. It’s a fun process but I’m ready to get going, that’s for sure.”
The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN through April 27.
