2019 NFL Draft: 5 most surprising picks of Round 1
By Phil Poling
31. . Quarterback. Duke Blue Devils. Daniel Jones. 2. player
What were the New York Giants doing on Thursday night? After trading away Odell Beckham, Jr. in March – right after signing him to an extension – the Giants drafted..Duke quarterback Daniel Jones. Dwayne Haskins was believed to be the Giants’ favorite at the position, but general manager Dave Gettleman fell in love with Jones at the Senior Bowl.
“After the three series I watched, I saw a professional quarterback,” said Gettleman following the draft. “So that’s when I was in full-bloom love.”
The plan is for Jones to sit and learn behind Eli Manning, but how long can that last? How long does Manning have left? And if you’re willing to draft Jones at No. 6 overall, shouldn’t he at least be able to compete for the job?
The Giants put together one of the most puzzling drafts Thursday night, taking Jones, Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence, and Georgia’s Deandre Baker. It’s possible the unexpected Jones selection makes the rest of their draft look uninspiring, though, even if Lawrence and Baker are great players. I just don’t see the value for Jones at No. 6. He’ll have plenty to time to prove the doubters wrong, though.