GIANTS CAMP LOOKAHEAD
Leading into the start of training camp (rookies report Monday, veterans Wednesday) the Post will provide Giants fans with a position-by-position look at the roster.
The Giants made good on their succession plan by taking Daniel Jones with the No. 6-overall pick in the draft. So now we know who gets the ball next from Eli Manning. When that handoff arrives will be the weighty decision — one that will hover over this franchise until it happens. Given the struggles of the team and the offense the past few years — Manning operated behind a lousy offensive line — is this a short leash for the beloved two-time Super Bowl MVP? Fans who were lukewarm about Jones as a prospect were apoplectic when he was taken so high, with the Giants also owning the No. 17 pick. In time, he will get the chance to change the minds of his doubters.
The rundown: Manning will be far more advanced working in Year 2 of coach Pat Shurmur’s offensive system and is in perhaps the finest shape of his career. He needs to produce now, though, as his protection will be improved and he has the wondrous Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Jones appears to be a quick study, and Shurmur and offensive coordinator Mike Shula heaped praise on the rookie every chance they could. Clearly, the organization believes Jones is the man for the future. When that arrives depends on Manning’s ability to
steer his team to many more wins than in the past two seasons. Key camp
battles: Coach “I’m not trying to be cryptic’’ Shurmur had some fun dancing around the Manning versus Jones competition that might or might not exist this summer. Shurmur’s insistence Jones is on track with “the goal of being ready to play Day 1’’ sounds as if Manning can be overtaken this preseason. In truth, it is Shurmur’s coach-speak for declaring what he sees as obvious: Every player is preparing for the opener. Unless Manning suffers a sudden decline and Jones’ development is impossibly rapid, Manning starts and Jones waits. The real camp battle is Tanney versus Lauletta — unless Shurmur opts to get rid of both and go with just two QBs. The verdict: There is quite a split in the fan base. Some want to thank Manning for his years of service and titles, and bid him adieu. Others see the roster erosion as the real culprit. No one seemed especially pumped about Jones when he came aboard. Manning lived through a seismic shift as a rookie in 2004 and knows he must get out of the gate quickly. His team was 1-7 at midseason the past two years. A repeat of that ineptitude will prompt the powers that be to make the move to Jones.