Daniel Jones
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The New York Giants have drafted Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The pick is in, finally.

The New York Giants have officially drafted Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the No. 6 overall pick in the NFL Draft. To fans, this is a pick that could’ve been made at No. 17. However, the Giants needed a successor to Eli Manning sooner rather than later.

The Denver Broncos (No. 10 overall), Miami Dolphins (No. 13) and Washington Redskins (No. 15) are also in need of a long-term plan at quarterback. Therefore, the Giants could’ve been worried that Jones wouldn’t be available at No. 17.

Jones completed 60.5% of his throws in his senior season at Duke, with 2,674 yards and 22 touchdowns to only nine interceptions. Jones’s coach at Duke was also David Cutcliffe, who coached Manning at Ole Miss in the early 2000s.

The newest Giant will most likely sit on the bench at the beginning of his career and learn behind Manning. The Giants could go with the “Kansas City model” as the Kansas City Chiefs did with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In 2020, the Giants could then part ways with Manning and give the nod to Jones.

As a quarterback, Jones will eventually have wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate, tight end Evan Engram, and running back Saquon Barkley. Even without star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., this Giants offense definitely has a number of weapons to utilize.

With the No. 17 pick later on in the first round, the Giants could draft a pass-rusher such as Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell or even Mississippi St. EDGE Montez Sweat. There’s a chance Florida St. EDGE Brian Burns could be available at that No. 17 overall pick.

It’s a long first round and everyone will know soon enough who Big Blue takes with their second early-round pick. That being said, strap in Giants fans.

Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.