NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Jayden Daniels 'Well-Regarded' by Giants; J.J. McCarthy Linked

The New York Giants are reportedly keeping their eye on LSU's Jayden Daniels and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy as they monitor the quarterback market in the 2024 NFL draft.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported Daniels is "well-regarded" by the Giants and they could look to pounce if he's not taken by the Washington Commanders at No. 2 as expected. McCarthy could be a target if he's on the board when the Giants pick at No. 6.

The Giants have been steadily linked to wide receivers throughout the draft process, but they could wind up missing out on both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. Harrison has been seen as a strong bet to be taken by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4, and Nabers might go off the board one pick later after the Los Angeles Chargers traded Keenan Allen and released Mike Williams.

That scenario would leave the Giants with a conundrum at No. 6. Washington receiver Rome Odunze would be an option, but he's increasingly been seen as a distant WR3 behind Harrison and Nabers. McCarthy has been the QB4 throughout the entire draft process.

Drafting at No. 6 overall and taking the third- or fourth-best player at a position does not seem like a particularly smart value proposition.

On paper, the smart move would be the Giants trading back with a team desperate to land McCarthy and potentially recouping the second-round pick they sent to the Carolina Panthers for Brian Burns. The Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders all have a need at quarterback and could get into a bidding war if McCarthy starts to slip.

It's theoretically possible that the Giants could move back to No. 11 or No. 12 and still land Odunze.

As far as nabbing Daniels goes, that's almost certainly not going to happen. Washington has been heavily linked to the reigning Heisman winner in recent weeks and is not likely to trade back—especially in a deal with a division foe. If the Commanders switch paths and take Drake Maye, the New England Patriots would almost certainly swoop in at No. 3.