That shadow next to Giants quarterback Eli Manning goes by the name of Davis Webb.

During his rookie season as the No. 3 quarterback for the Giants, Webb tried to absorb as much information as he could from Manning.

In the offseason, Webb decided to stay in New Jersey rather than returning to his roots in warm-weather Texas or California in order to continue building his relationship with Manning.

So what has he learned from the potential future Hall of Famer in the 10-plus months they've been teammates?

"How to handle adversity would be No. 1," Webb told NJ Advance Media during an exclusive interview. "We lost 13 games. We have to swallow that. But he never flinched. Every day he had the biggest smile on his face and was ready to work and compete with his teammates. He loves playing the game of football. That's something I really admire."

The Giants are sticking with the 37-year-old Manning as their starting quarterback. He is not viewed as a placeholder responsible for grooming his successor -- like Josh McCown is with the Jets -- but rather as the quarterback that gives the team the best chance of returning to the playoffs in 2018.

"We believe Eli has years left as a starting quarterback in this league," coach Pat Shurmur said. "We're excited that he's there. I'm looking forward to developing Davis Webb to see where he can go."

Manning said last month that it it is not his job to "mentor" young quarterbacks but he hopes they learn from watching his example how to prepare, compete, lead and communicate because that puts the team in the best position to succeed.

It was a classic Manning take. Translation: Manning is not going to give the Brett Favre-like "cold shoulder" to anyone, but you have to be proactive to learn from him.

Webb is fully invested in the osmosis approach.

"We have two different personalities," Webb said, "but that's why I think all the receivers gel with us: Because it's easy to talk to him and I."

Manning's streak of 210 consecutive starts was snapped when Geno Smith briefly took over last season. Had coach Ben McAdoo not been fired, it is clear Manning would have stayed on the bench and Webb might have gotten more than zero regular-season snaps.

"He's the best teammate I've ever had," Webb said. "He pushed through some adversity this year: Receivers went down, (offensive) linemen got hurt. We had some adversity and he didn't flinch. He had to sit out one game, and he was the best teammate in the world. I know it was hard on him. I really respected that."

Webb is caught in a holding pattern right now. His future with the Giants will become clear on April 26 when the Giants decide whether or not to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.

One decision signals a lack of faith. One signals a vote of confidence.

Until then, Webb is getting in five days per week of physical activity at the Giants' training complex alongside Manning. He also throws four times per week with quarterback trainer Tony Racioppi of TEST Football Academy.

That's where the second lesson from Manning comes into play.

"No. 2 is keep grinding," Webb said. "He said, 'The biggest thing I've got going for me is my work ethic. I'm going to outwork people. That's how you get better. Every day you find something. You never stay the same.'

"He's 37 years old and he's played the game longer than I've lived. He is still finding ways to get better. That's what I've learned. You are always to improve whether you are a Hall of Fame quarterback or some rookie."

Ryan Dunleavy may be reached at rdunleavy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rydunleavy. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.

