Selecting J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL draft would be a “short-sighted” move for the New York Giants, who should instead take “dominant” wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the sixth-overall pick.
That’s the scenario put forward by The 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino. He believes the Giants “should want to get off the Daniel Jones train, but taking McCarthy over Marvin Harrison Jr. seems short-sighted given how dominant of a prospect Harrison is.”
Valentino also thinks McCarthy might not be there when the Giants pick at No. 6. Not if those above them are able to find trade partners: “The smoke around J.J. McCarthy going this high almost seems too convenient for the Cardinals and Chargers. Both teams want to trade down, but quarterbacks usually slide as teams opt for higher-end talents elsewhere.”
If that’s how things play out, the Giants would land arguably the most gifted wideout in this class. A pass-catcher capable of transforming one phase of their offense.
Harrison would perhaps make a bigger impact for the Giants in Year 1 than a rookie quarterback. Rather than having to let a first-year signal-caller learn on the job, the Giants would benefit from a game-breaking receiver who would surely let Jones get back up to speed after a down year in 2023.
Jones needs a true, go-to receiver. Harrison fits the bill after proving prolific during his final two years at Ohio State.
Harrison snagged 77 catches for 1,263 yards in 2022, before adding 67 receptions for 1,211 yards a year later, per Sports Reference. In the process, he caught 28 touchdowns and ran for another.
Many of those scores came within the red zone. Like this one against Maryland, highlighted by FOX College Football.
Harrison was the best of the best at the business end of the field, according to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus: “Inside the 20-yard line, Harrison racked up 10 receiving touchdowns and averaged 11.7 yards per reception, with the former leading all of this year’s prospects.”
