The New York Giants own the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft later this month, and while there is plenty of debate as to what the Giants will do at that spot, there are some who are suggesting that they select University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Legendary Giants running back Tiki Barber doesn’t want to hear it.
“Stop with the J.J. McCarthy thing,” Barber said on WFAN. “I’m tired of hearing it. His film doesn’t say he’s a first-round quarterback.”
Barber added that the scheme that McCarthy ran at Michigan did not highlight the things that a quarterback needs to do in order to be successful on the next level.
He cited that the Wolverines were a run-based system under Jim Harbaugh, who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and has been propping up McCarthy in interviews.
Barber thinks that’s part of the issue.
The former halfback says that McCarthy’s value is being inflated because Harbaugh continually talks about him, and Barber concluded by saying that if McCarthy falls to New York at No. 6, Barber does not want him.
Barber absolutely makes some salient points.
Up until the last several weeks, McCarthy was not really viewed as a potential top-10 pick. He threw for just 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions during his final season at Michigan. Yes, he led the Wolverines to a national title, but his individual play wasn’t overly impressive.
There are many who cite McCarthy’s intangibles as his primary calling card as an NFL prospect, but others—like Barber—will focus on his physical limitations.
The Giants are in need of a quarterback, as Daniel Jones does not appear to be the answer. But in Barber’s eyes, neither is McCarthy.
More must-reads: