Giants’ Jones, Lawrence playing their best in fourth seasons

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Quarterback Daniel Jones and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence have been linked since being taken in the first round by the New York Giants in the 2019 draft.

Not only were they drafted together, they ended up being roommates in training camp and close friends.

The two showed flashes in their first three seasons, but there were always questions about whether they would deliver on being first-round picks.

They’re delivering this year, much like a lot of the Giants under Brian Daboll.

Lawrence, who had the fifth-year option on his rookie contract picked up by the team and new general manager Joe Schoen, has become a force on the defensive line. The former Clemson star who was the 17th pick overall has sacks in three straight games, and a career-high four heading into Sunday’s game in Jacksonville against the Jaguars.

What is making him even happier is watching Jones, who was taken at

No. 6. The quarterback has 1,021 passing yards and five touchdowns, while hitting 67% of his passes. He also has moved the offense with his legs, rushing for 236 yards and two TDs.

Jones also is making plays when they count despite not getting a ton of help from his line at times. He has thrown only two interceptions in 159 attempts.

“He has always been my guy,” Lawrence said Wednesday. “He is just being very confident, I can see it in him this year. Things are finally starting to make sense, which is good to see. He is just taking over the offense. He is creating plays for him and other people.

“He’s been a playmaker and that’s what you want to see out of your quarterback,” Lawrence added.

Jones is having his best season despite the Giants’ decision not to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. He is making better and quicker decisions with the ball and that’s helped New York rally from three doubledigit deficits to beat Tennessee, Green Bay and Baltimore.

The winning and making plays has helped his confidence. Learning from his mistakes is another plus.

“You’ve got to look to the plays you’ve made, what’s been successful for us as a group and use that to build confidence to plan on what we’re going to do going forward,” the 25-year-old said.

Center Jon Feliciano and right guard Mark Glowinski joined the Giants this season as free agents and they admit Jones has succeeded with the line still working to be better.