The New York Giants seriously considered drafting J.J. McCarthy out of college because they were wowed by his physical skills.
But McCarthy’s development off the field over the past two-plus years also has impressed Giants brass
In a wide-ranging interview with the New York Post, Mara — the brother of Giants owner John Mara and the team’s senior vice president of player personnel — discussed McCarthy’s growth since being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.
We had him rated very high
“We had him rated very high from a skill set. … We weren’t quite sure about the maturity level, but we loved his skill set,” Mara told the Post, which published the interview Saturday. “He showed the ability to win, the ability to lead.”
The Giants acquired McCarthy earlier this year in a trade with the Vikings, who used the 10th pick on the former Michigan star in 2024.
“Seeing him three years later, this is a completely different-looking person for me,” Mara said.
The Giants debated using the No
The Giants debated using the No. 6 pick in 2024 on McCarthy before ultimately selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers. New York landed McCarthy less than three years later, sending a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vikings in the Sept. 28 trade.
After missing his entire rookie season because of a knee injury, McCarthy struggled with the Vikings last year, completing 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He lost his starting job with the Vikings in training camp to Kyler Murray and was demoted to third string after an ankle injury kept him out of Minnesota’s preseason finale.
But McCarthy has enjoyed success during his brief stint in New York, leading the Giants to an overtime upset victory against the Texans in Houston two weeks ago.
I’m in awe when I watch him
“I’m in awe when I watch him in practice,” Mara said. “He’s got a much better arm than I thought he ever had. He moves around great. Listen, the arrow’s up on him too.”
Mara reiterated that since joining the Giants, McCarthy has shown signs of maturity, which was an issue during his time with the Vikings.
“On the field and off the field [he looks different],” Mara said. “He’s a terrific guy. He’s matured. He’s married now, has a kid.”
McCarthy will make his second start for the Giants against the division rival Eagles in Philadelphia on Sunday.
