The NFL Draft isn’t always about the best player.
More often than not, teams take the player they need.
That could be the case with J.J. McCarthy.
While there could be several better or more talented players than him, having multiple quarterback-needy teams has significantly raised his value; that’s just the way things work.
That’s why McCarthy could go as high as No. 5 in the first round, even if he’s not the fifth-best player in this class.
According to NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., getting him No. 5 or No. 6, as some insiders project, would be too rich for him, adding that he’s got him at No. 15 on his big board.
.@MelKiperESPN believes J.J. McCarthy would be overdrafted if he’s taken at No. 5 or 6 😯
“I have him No. 15 right now on my final big board.” pic.twitter.com/LELp92Lh2C
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 22, 2024
Talking on ESPN’s Get Up, Kiper argued that perhaps the New York Giants could go after him if the Minnesota Vikings fail to trade up to the top five to land him, but he’s not that sold on that move.
Of course, this is a matter of supply and demand.
We have multiple teams looking to get a franchise quarterback, and with the top three teams highly unlikely to make any moves because they also need a new gunslinger, McCarthy’s value has skyrocketed.
Needless to say, being the 15th-best player out of at least 224 is also quite significant, so it’s not a knock on him by any means.
Also, at the end of the day, players have shown that it’s never about when you’re taken or whether you’re first or last; it’s about making the most of the chance to prove your worth.
