Eli Manning offers services to Giants for 2025 NFL Draft

It's widely expected that the New York Giants will start from scratch regarding their quarterback situation this offseason by signing a so-called "bridge option" in March and then selecting a signal-caller during the 2025 NFL Draft. 

While at an event on Thursday, Giants legend Eli Manning offered to help in New York's search for a long-term answer at the sport's most important position. 

"I like watching film," Manning explained, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post shared. "If that’s something I’m wanted for, needed for, be happy to look at film and get involved in that part of it." 

Manning previously mentored Daniel Jones when he featured for the Giants from 2019 until the two sides parted ways this past fall. Like Jones, Manning heard boos from upset Giants fans during some home games before the first pick of the 2004 draft became a two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player with the organization. 

Thus, Manning knows plenty about the ups and downs a New York signal-caller inevitably will experience. 

"It’s not an easy situation," Manning said about being a QB1 in the country's largest sports market. "A lot of pressure, a lot of expectations, and being in New York, really being around the NFL, they expect immediate results, which is not easy to do in any market playing the quarterback position. It will be interesting to see what route they take and who they get to play quarterback next year for the Giants. Hopefully, they can get someone to make a difference."

Specifically, numerous recently published stories have linked the Giants with Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has predicted that the Tennessee Titans will take Miami's Cam Ward with the draft's first pick and that the Cleveland Browns could address a different position at No. 2. Such a scenario would leave Sanders on the board for Big Blue at No. 3, but Manning noted that he is a fan of Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart. 

Manning also played for Ole Miss during his college career. 

"I’ve probably watched him more than anybody, just from watching Ole Miss games. I’ve been around him and [he’s] been a great kid, been in the same offense for three years and been successful. Seen him grow and progress and seems to be able to make all the throws," Manning said about Dart.

In a mock draft posted on Wednesday, Kiper said he thinks the Los Angeles Rams could draft Dart with the 26th overall pick even if veteran Matthew Stafford returns for another season. 

Perhaps the Giants would consider completing a trade or two that would result in the club acquiring a needed playmaker and Dart during the opening round.