NEW YORK — Kyle Lauletta is more focused on his own knee than he is on Daniel Jones’ arm.

All the attention paid to what the Giants drafting quarterback Daniel Jones with the No. 6 pick means for the end of Eli Manning’s career has overshadowed the obvious writing on the wall for Lauletta: He no longer is considered the quarterback of the future.

“In this league there are always going to be guys behind you, and guys are always going to be competing for jobs,” Lauletta said Tuesday night at the Gridiron Gala.

“We just bring another piece into it. Another great quarterback in the room. We’ll grow together, and do the best we can to compete and put a winning team out on the field.”

Lauletta underwent knee surgery after his rookie season and is not yet taking snaps even though the Giants are in the phase of the offseason program where coaches and players can work together on the field.

“It’s been frustrating getting it back and feeling like I’m good to go, then slowing it back down and going through the rehab process,” Lauletta said. “Everything is good now. Everything feels great.”

So why is he slow-walking his return to the field? Especially with his roster spot in jeopardy if the Giants decide to keep Manning, Jones and veteran Alex Tanney as their three quarterbacks.

The Giants will have 13 practices before summer training camp, beginning May 20. Lauletta said it is “too early to tell” when he will be a full participant again.

“In the classroom, I’m getting all the reps,” Lauletta said. “The whole offseason I’ve worked hard throwing when I could, so I’ll be ready to go. We are going to play it by ear.

“I want to come back and do as much as I can because it feels good, but the more you do, the more it’s going to swell. I’m just trying to manage that.”

One year ago, Lauletta was in Jones’ shoes. He was the rookie quarterback coming in to challenge the previous year’s draft pick. The Giants kept Lauletta and cut Davis Webb.

“All I can do right now is control me and get my knee back and work hard,” Lauletta said. “I know the player I can be. I’ve just got to get to work and reach my full potential, and when I get an opportunity on the field, show them what I can do.”

Lauletta was 0-for-5 passing with an interception in his one quarter under center last season.

While Manning received a courtesy phone call from coach Pat Shurmur just as the Giants were drafting Jones, Lauletta did not get the two-time Super Bowl MVP treatment during the first round of the draft.

“We saw Lauletta in the training room the next day,” Shurmur said. “Our people talked to him. As far as we know (he understands).”

Jones, who was in town last weekend for rookie minicamp, and Lauletta already met.

“We’re still building this thing,” Lauletta said. “Last year was the first year in this offense.

“I’ve already met (Jones). He’s a good guy. Happy for him. The season is a long ways away."

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Lauletta was one of four other current Giants on hand at the fundraiser to celebrate teammate Michael Thomas, who was named a Hometown Hero by the United Way of New York City for his community service. The non-profit organization is committed to helping low-income New Yorkers lead self-sufficient lives.

“Mike Thomas is the quintessential New York Giants football player,” Lauletta said. “That’s what we look for in a leader, a player and a person. He’s one of my favorite guys on the team. I have the utmost respect for him.

"We’re raising a lot of money. I learned more about the United Way. So, anything we can do as players to help the cause is great.”

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