Why Giants' Tommy DeVito still has a chip on his shoulder

New York Giants backup quarterback Tommy DeVito recently spoke with Jordan Raanan of ESPN about going from a local cult hero to somewhat of a forgotten figure on the roster amid springtime workouts. 

"Yeah, we're not having this conversation for sure [if I was a third-round pick]," DeVito said about being third on the depth chart beneath starter Daniel Jones and QB2 Drew Lock this spring. "But at the end of the day, like I said, control what you can control, keep the chip on my shoulder, keep working. Everyone has always been overlooked and it's kind of the same deal I was in last year. I know the offense now and I've been in some situations before. Looking forward to doing it again."

DeVito joined the Giants last year as an undrafted free agent but was called into action in late October when Jones and then-backup Tyrod Taylor were both sidelined with injuries. 

The 25-year-old famously from New Jersey went 3-1 across his first four starts at a time when some thought the Giants should be "tanking" so that the club could earn the right to draft a top-rated quarterback prospect such as North Carolina's Drake Maye. 

The Giants reportedly explored moving up from the sixth pick of this year's draft for a signal-caller. However, New England held onto the third selection and spent that asset to get Maye. 

"I was never worried," DeVito said about rumors regarding the Giants possibly using a first-round draft pick to take Jones' eventual replacement. "Everything happens for a reason. I showed what I can do on the field. Obviously, there are highs and lows. But to be a rookie thrown into it, it's a tough deal. I tried to make the most of it and then control what I can control."

In total, DeVito went 3-3 as a starter and completed 64 percent of 178 passes for 1,101 yards with eight touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 195 yards and a score on 36 attempts. 

Some believe Lock will receive an opportunity to win New York's starting job this summer as Jones recovers from the torn right ACL he suffered on Nov. 5. The Giants can escape Jones' contract next offseason and may want to ensure he stays healthy so his salary for 2025 doesn't become guaranteed because of a new injury.

DeVito also spoke with Raanan about conversations the young quarterback had with head coach Brian Daboll following DeVito's rookie campaign. 

"That I held my composure well," DeVito said about messages he received from Daboll. "I played well. Obviously, there is a ton to clean up, whether it's learning more intricacies of the offense, the deeper meaning of everything versus knowing my job, knowing every person's job regardless of it's just a pass or in the run game -- helping any way, shape or form between the ears."

Heading into Memorial Day, there's no sign DeVito will begin the preseason as anything more than New York's break-glass-in-case-of-emergency third option at the sport's most important position. 

That means he'll once again have to prove his worth to the club as he waits for his next chance to face a live defense in a meaningful game.