Giants' Barkley confident in Daniel Jones despite media scrutiny

The New York Giants' selection of quarterback Daniel Jones in the first round became perhaps the most polarizing pick of the 2019 draft, but running back Saquon Barkley isn't paying attention to the media.

"Right now, (the majority of experts say) 'oh, you're an awful pick,'" Barkley told reporters on Saturday, according to SNY. "But when he wins two Super Bowls, everyone's going to be like 'he was the greatest pick of all time.'"

After passing on Sam Darnold and Josh Allen with the No. 2 pick in 2018, the Giants drafted Jones with the first of their three opening-round selections in 2019 (sixth overall).

A few teams reportedly viewed the former Duke passer as the No. 1 quarterback in the draft, while some apparently didn't place him in the top five.

Barkley, however, has faith in Jones despite those contrasting evaluations.

"I believe in him," the second-year back said. "He's in a perfect position. You get to come to New York, obviously, but you get to sit behind Eli, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, a quarterback who just does everything right who is a captain and a leader. And when (Jones') opportunity comes, he's got to be ready for it."

Eli Manning is still widely expected to begin the 2019 season as the Giants' starting quarterback, leaving Jones as the backup.

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