EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — All of the quarterback intrigue that dominated the buildup to the N.F.L. draft, the silence and subterfuge and misdirection, somehow failed to ensnare the Giants, who did not tip their highest pick in 14 years so much as sprinkle clues about their intentions over the last four months.
Their decision to take the versatile rusher Saquon Barkley of Penn State at No. 2 affirmed General Manager Dave Gettleman’s opinion, declared last week and reiterated Thursday night, that the perceived devaluing of a running back is a myth, and corroborated the team’s stated comfort with Eli Manning quarterbacking the team this season and, it seems, beyond.