For a lot of NY Giants fans, they've probably been hearing non stop about J.J. McCarthy in recent weeks. The McCarthy hype has only grown after Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported the Giants brought him in for a visit, which included dinner with the front office.
However, he's not the only stud signal-caller who the Giants will have their eyes on. At the NFL Combine, the team met with Michael Penix Jr., a bonafide stud out of Washington. In a new mock draft from NBC's Connor Rogers, he has the Giants using their No. 6 overall pick on Malik Nabers, but then trading for the No. 30 pick with the Ravens to bring Penix to town.
Post-Free Agency Mock Draft ❕
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 18, 2024
*The #Vikings keep making moves
*How #NYG can solve QB AND land a top WR
*#Jets still need long-term OL help
*Round 2 picks for teams without a 1st@NBCSports | @rotoworld_fb 🖊️https://t.co/J9WkBXO6O5 pic.twitter.com/dyVgBgaV0t
Michael Penix is a player Giants fans will have to keep an eye on
In this scenario, Rogers has the Giants indeed getting the No. 30 overall pick, with Baltimore receiving the Giants second-round and third-round selections. Losing multiple draft picks would sting, but adding Nabers AND Penix on draft night would lead to countless celebrations in New Jersey and New York.
Giants Nation has been hoping that Schoen would use his Day 2 picks to add offensive line help, but he's been working overtime there in free agency. Thus far, Schoen has signed Jermaine Eluemunor, Jon Runyan Jr., Aaron Stinnie and Austin Schlottmann.
Out of nowhere, there's some fine depth for the big boys up front and the window is even open for Evan Neal to move to guard now that Eluemunor is being reunited with Carmen Bricillo in East Rutherford.
Back to the draft, Nabers at No. 6 would be a no-brainer too, without a doubt. He's been viewed as arguably the best wideout for his class. As for Penix, there are concerns over his injury history, which includes two torn ACLs while at Indiana. However, his tests came back positive at the NFL Combine and no one can question how talented he is slinging the ball around.
The Giants may end up letting Daniel Jones have one more shot to prove his worth with the offense. However, if he struggles - like he did last year - Brian Daboll and Co. could pull the plug and move to Penix midway through the season. The more we see this trade idea from Rodgers, the more we like it for Schoen.