The New York Giants had become a bit of a punchline in the aftermath of selecting Duke quarterback Daniel Jones at No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, but early returns have given critics a reason for pause.
During the the team’s three-day rookie minicamp, Jones dispelled the notion that he doesn’t have a strong enough arm to succeed in the NFL, wowing veteran reporters with his deep ball potential.
Additionally, Jones did a masterful job with media, which is arguably the most difficult adjustment in New York, leaving many to wonder if they had all gotten it wrong.
The Giants, of course, were high on Jones from the word go. So high in fact, offensive coordinator Mike Shula believes Jones could have come in and started under center on Day 1.
While that’s impressively high praise from Shula, Jones will not be under center in Week 1. He may not find a moment under center all season. Eli Manning has been and will remain the team’s starter, and Shula suggests that critics have it wrong on him, too.
Asked why he’s so confident in Manning, Shula pointed to Eli’s unparalleled work ethic while adding that the veteran has looked spry and fresh all offseason.
For all the flack the Giants have taken, they might just get this one right. With a year or two to learn under Manning, Jones’ mental came will catch up to his physical game, allowing the Giants a smooth transition from franchise quarterback to franchise quarterback.
