
Sure, the Giants added a running back with sky-high potential when they drafted running back Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick Thursday night. But the selection also was a vote of confidence for Eli Manning.
In an interview with WFAN's "Boomer & Gio" on Friday morning, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman said he studied Manning closely at this week's three-day minicamp, which confirmed to him that quarterback is not a pressing concern.
"He's still got plenty of arm. He still moves -- you know, he's Eli," Gettleman said. "And I really truly believe that the second Philadelphia game (last season) was not a mirage, so I felt really comfortable going in."
Gettleman said he also liked what he saw in minicamp from Eli's backup, Davis Webb, a third-round draft pick last season.
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"At the end of the day, he made some really good decisions," the GM said. "He made some terrific throws. We know his work ethic. ... Of course, Davis has to keep building on it."
Gettleman said picking Barkley was an easy call, adding that he believes he has Hall of Fame potential.
Barkley has "the burst and the home run speed of a small man, and he's got the power of a big man," Gettleman said.
NO FLOWERS
When asked about offensive tackle Ereck Flowers not participating in the voluntary offseason program and minicamp, Gettleman said: "It's voluntary. He's a big boy. He's a big man. He's a young man. It's his decision."
After Gregg Giannotti pressed Gettleman to admit that the absence of Flowers, who is expected to make the switch from left tackle to right tackle, bothers him, the Giants' GM said only: "Culture is very important. Football's the ultimate team game, and you need 53 guys that are all-in. As adults, we all make decisions. Ereck's made his."
NFL Network reported this week that the Giants have been in trade talks with teams interested in Flowers.