Former MVP shares big praise for Giants' Tommy DeVito

Retired quarterback, one-time Most Valuable Player and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason thinks undrafted New York Giants rookie Tommy DeVito could be the real deal coming off New York's 10-7 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon. 

"He has some energy, he has football instincts," Esiason said about DeVito during Monday's edition of the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" program, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "It hasn’t been pretty, but he’s got touchdown passes, he’s run for a touchdown. You never know. I understand the realities of the league, and I understand who Tommy is. He’s learning and he’s growing…you gotta sit here and say that he looks the part. The ball comes out right, he sits in the pocket when he knows he has protection, waits for guys to get down the field, and actually completes passes over 30 yards down the field." 

A native of Cedar Grove, New Jersey, DeVito began his first pro season as a practice squad option but was thrust into action after starting quarterback Daniel Jones and primary backup Tyrod Taylor both suffered injuries. The 25-year-old has thus far appeared in five games, started three contests and completed 66-of-105 total passes for 697 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He's also rushed for 83 yards and a score on 21 attempts. 

After DeVito connected on 17-of-25 throws for 191 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's victory that improved the Giants to 4-8, rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt said that his teammate "throws beautiful passes." Esiason suggested on Monday that DeVito is finding some success in part because it's hardly a secret New York's temporary QB1 was never supposed to see the field this season.

"It’s just a weird thing," Esiason explained. "No pressure, just go out and play some football, kid. There’s no expectations, and he’s doing it." 

No reasonable individual thinks DeVito will follow in the footsteps of Brock Purdy, who went from being the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to a starter for a San Francisco 49ers side that may be the best overall team in the NFC this fall. For now, DeVito will look to earn a third consecutive win when he and the Giants follow the bye with a home game against the Green Bay Packers (5-6) in Week 14.