The New York Giants' selection of quarterback Daniel Jones early in the 2019 draft surprised many in the football world and unleashed a throng of skeptics hell bent on ridiculing Big Blue for its supposed reach.
But through nine days of offseason workouts in East Rutherford, Jones has already won over the people who matter most: his coaches and teammates.
Saquon Barkley, New York's 2018 first-round pick, told reporters at his Citi Saquon Barkley Football ProCamp on Saturday that Jones wrapped up his second week of OTAs in stellar fashion.
"Daniel Jones went crazy yesterday in practice. He had himself a day. I believe in him," Barkley told reporters Saturday, per SNY. "Right now, 'oh, you're an awful pick,' but when he wins two Super Bowls, everyone's going to be like, 'he was the greatest pick of all time."
Giants coach Pat Shurmur had similarly fine things to say earlier this week about the sixth overall selection, comparing him to franchise QB Eli Manning on and off the field.
"Personality-wise, I would say in some ways they are similar as we get to know Daniel and his personality more," Shurmur told reporters. "They are very calm in their approach. They are very fiery under the covers."
Jones isn't expected to unseat Manning before the start of the season, though he already has the two-time Super Bowl champion's look down pat.
If Saquon's foresight is accurate, then Jones, whenever he does take the reins, will end up mimicking his predecessor's resume as well.
The Giants begin their three-day mandatory minicamp on June 4 and finish up offseason workouts with three days of OTAs starting June 10.
