EAST RUSTHERFORD, N.J. — Russell Wilson’s job description with the New York Giants says nothing about being a mentor to rookie quarterback Jackson Dart. That doesn’t mean he’s not alone, of course.
Wilson is a veteran who won the Super Bowl this season, signed to be the Giants’ starter. All his reps this spring are in the first team attack.
New York returned to the bottom end of the first round and was 25th in this year’s draft. I hope the rookies will learn by sitting behind Wilson and Jamis Winston, if not all of this year.
Therefore, there is a natural pecking order.
“You’re always trying to be the best version of you, so I’ve always seen it, and you’re always giving back to everyone else,” Wilson said. “I don’t think it’s about every teammate, not just one teammate. It’s about every teammate. It’s about every person in the building. It’s about every person in the quarterback room, the receiver, the running back, the tight edge, the O-line, the O-Line, the relationship there, the defensive line, to the corner, to the corner, and the training room.
Wilson was signed to a one-year contract as a free agent in late March. He quickly established himself as a leader and respects the voice of the room.
The veteran held dinner earlier this week with quarterbacks, offensive linemen and running backs. He also put together a range of slow sessions with different players before this offseason in San Diego, Los Angeles and Atlanta. His presence made a difference after six years of Daniel Jones.
“We didn’t have a quarterback to command everything. You know exactly what you want,” wide receiver Onedale Robinson said. “[Wilson] It’s amazing. ”
Wilson claims nothing has changed for him as the Giants drafted DART in the first round six weeks ago. There’s no additional pressure to play well and do so quickly. Wilson is still on the depth chart and focuses on what’s on his plate.
“No, nothing will change,” he said. “I think the biggest thing for me is the best thing every day and lead. I always think about it every time I step into every room, just lead every room, every time I step into between the white line and the opportunity.”
Wilson had a strong day at Otas on Thursday. He painted the deep “oohs” and “aahs” deep inside the left sideline, putting pressure on wide receiver Darius Slayton’s arm for a 40-yard touchdown. This was one of several big plays from Wilson.
He doesn’t worry, when, or when Dart will become the Giants starter.
“Today I’m thinking about success, and that’s always been my approach,” Wilson said. “Every day is like I’m trying to be the best in the world. Mentally, I think you’re confident in yourself. You’re confident in what you’re doing, in your process. I know that I always keep the course and know how great it is if I’m the best.
“So, for me, I’m just always inside. I don’t think much outside. And I know that you have great work and everything else to do, but for me, I keep focusing on all of that process.”
The Giants have not asked Wilson to prioritize being a mentor. They want the same thing he does. They just want him to be himself.
This allows Wilson and Darts to grow with new attacks.
“It’s natural to be about your business, not ‘Hey, I need to be a mentor for this guy’,” Coach Brian Dabor said. “Do you know what I mean? I think it suits every room. I think it’s easy to say ‘mentor’. In other words, it is a competitive business and works by young people.
“So I think we have to try and add some of our leadership to veterans.”
Wilson is leading the way.
