New York Giants

Eli's advice for Mariota and Winston on the draft: Enjoy it with your friends and family

Published Apr. 28, 2015 9:28 a.m. ET

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When, in all likelihood, Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston is selected No. 1 overall this Thursday night at the 2015 NFL Draft, he will join an exclusive group of quarterbacks that were taken with the first pick overall. One player he will join is New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Manning was expected to be selected No. 1 overall. The San Diego Chargers did use the first overall selection on Manning, who had previously stated that he would not play for them, before eventually trading Manning to the Giants.

Manning's draft day experience was quite different than the one that Mariota or Winston are likely to go through. Both top quarterback prospects will not be in attendance on Thursday night at the draft. They opted to skip the event and spend the time with their family and friends, and this is a decision that Manning can get on board with.

"Whether you're 1 or 2 or you slip down to 6, whatever happens you're starting a new career and it's an exciting time," Manning said. "Enjoy it with your family and your friends. Then once you get drafted, take those two days to have fun, and then get to work and see how quickly you can learn an offense."

If both quarterbacks dedicate themselves to learning the offense they get drafted in as fast as possible, Manning believes that the talent is in place for them to become successful starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

"They both throw it very well. They both are athletic and can run around, Marcus especially," Manning said. "He can really move [after] watching him, and play games and create plays. Jameis, same deal. He can throw a football and make some plays. Both of them are fun to watch."

So if you're listening, Mr. Mariota and Mr. Winston, a two-time Super Bowl MVP is telling you that you're doing the right thing to stay home and enjoy the draft with your family and friends.

(h/t True Jersey)

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