Former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur knows a few thing about developing quarterbacks. He turned Nick Foles and Case Keenum into successful starters and mentored Daniel Jones during an impressive rookie season.
Shurmur, who is being considered for the head coaching vacancy at his alma mater, Michigan State, is currently the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos.
Denver just happens to have a young gunslinger of their own in second year QB Drew Lock, who was as heavily recruited by the Giants and others as Jones was last year.
Shurmur said he sees some common ground between the two prospects.
(Shurmur) took some time at a Thursday press conference to talk about his memories of Lock from the draft process. Shurmur said the Giants had “a very, very high opinion” of Lock and said that the decision to take Jones sixth overall was an “organizational decision.”
Shurmur also said that he sees “a lot of similarities” between the two players.
“Skill sets are very similar. They can throw the ball well. They can move around well. You saw flashes of really good football from both of them this year,” Shurmur said.
Jones had the inside track having been mentored by Eli Manning’s college coach — David Cutcliffe — at Duke. The Giants loved the way Jones handled himself in the pre-draft process and that has carried over into his professional career.
Jones was selected by the Giants with the sixth overall pick while Lock was taken in the second round by Denver, 42nd overall.
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