Mann on a mission
Eli OK with drafting QB, eager to keep winning
The rumblings are louder than ever that the Giants, for the first time in more than a decade, are giving serious consideration to taking a quarterback fairly high in the upcoming NFL draft, someone the team views one day being capable of succeeding Eli Manning.
After all, Manning is 36 and the Giants do not want to be left searching for a replacement once he’s gone.
“Whoever they need to draft that’s gonna help out the team, whether it’s this year or going forward, I’m fine,’’ Manning said Thursday night before he was honored at the National Football Foundation “Elite Eleven’’ Scholar-Athlete Award Dinner in Midtown. “We drafted a quarterback four years ago, Ryan Nassib, I know that’s part of it, quarterbacks are gonna get drafted. I got my job to do, I’m gonna go out there and do it.
“Ownership and management have their job, to draft the best players and looking forward to the future, I understand that’s part of it.’’
Manning sounds rejuvenated because he finally has a receiver he can look in the eye — Brandon Marshall. Not since he called Plaxico Burress a teammate (2005-08) has the 6-foot-4 quarterback had the luxury of throwing to a towering target. He has one once again in the 6-4 Marshall, who was signed this offseason.
“I think Plaxico was kind of the last one similar to that size,’’ Manning said. “They can be open when they’re not really open. You don’t want to get into a habit, it’s not a jump-ball but you can throw him open. He’s been in lots of offenses and he gets open a lot of different ways, very disciplined in his route-running and understanding concepts. I think he’ll be good for that receiver room and in our locker room, having that veteran presence.’’
Manning got to throw to Marshall for the first time the past few days at Duke University during a passing session attended by several Giants.
“I was excited when we made that acquisition,’’ Manning said. “He’s obviously a big target and smart, asks a lot of questions, he’s going to pick up the offense quickly. And he’s excited. He’s excited about coming to this offense and staying in New York and having a No. 1 receiver [Odell Beckham Jr.] on the opposite side of him.’’
Manning, who received the Ernie Accorsi Humanitarian Award (named for the Giants general manager who made the 2004 draft-day trade to acquire him from the Chargers) said he is looking forward to working with Geno Smith, the former Jets quarterback signed to a oneyear contract.
“I’ve met Geno a few times over the years, I think he is a talented quarterback,’’ Manning said. “It’s fun for me to have new guys, young quarterbacks. If I can teach it, the system, it means I know it really well. It’s a great way for me to continue to grow and learn.’’
Giants coach Ben McAdoo recently said not to discount Smith as possibly being Manning’s replacement sometime down the road.
“Well, listen, [Smith] hasn’t thrown a pass for us yet,’’ said co-owner John Mara, who attended the banquet. “We thought it was a worthwhile signing. There have been times in his career when he’s played very well. He’s got all the physical skills you could ever hope for, so let’s put him on the field and see what he can do.’’
Manning has three years remaining on his contract.
“You take it one year at a time,’’ he said. “Right now I feel great. Feel like I can continue to play, but obviously from year to year in this league you don’t know what’s gonna happen and what can change. Work hard to stay healthy and my body feels like I can play a number of years ahead.’’
Mara said the Giants have been in contact with defensive end Owa Odighizuwa, who earlier in the week made a few cryptic posts on Twitter suggesting he is leaving football. “He’s still on the team,’’ Mara said.