Giants' Draft Strategy: Shadore Sanders at No. 3 Unlikely, But Not Impossible

The New York Giants' 2025 NFL Draft Strategy

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation is mounting about the New York Giants' plans for their third overall pick. Recent reports and betting odds suggest that the Giants may be moving away from selecting quarterback Shadore Sanders, but the possibility remains open.

Albert Breer's Insights

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently published an article discussing the Giants' draft strategy. According to Breer:

• The New York Giants are not expected to take a quarterback inside the top three picks.
• The Giants have signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to incentive-heavy deals tied to starting.
• The situation does not appear to be a good fit for a rookie quarterback.

Breer added that while it's not impossible for Shadore Sanders to go second or third in the NFL draft, it seems unlikely at this point.

Betting Odds

The odds makers in Las Vegas seem to agree with Breer's assessment:

• Shadore Sanders is currently at +600 to be the third overall pick to the New York Giants.
• Abdul Carter is the runaway favorite to be selected third by the Giants at -230.
• Travis Hunter is at +250 to go second to the Cleveland Browns.

While these odds suggest Sanders is unlikely to be the Giants' pick, it's important to note that they don't completely rule out the possibility.

The Giants' Quarterback Situation

The Giants have made several moves in the quarterback market this offseason:

• Attempted to acquire Matthew Stafford
• Waited for Aaron Rodgers' decision
• Tried to trade up for the first overall pick
• Signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to incentive-laden contracts

These actions could indicate that the team is not fully committed to drafting a quarterback with their high pick. However, it could also be seen as due diligence in exploring all options.

Consensus Mock Drafts

According to Consensus Mock Drafts, which aggregates mock drafts from major media outlets:

• Over the last week, 99% of mock drafts have Cam Ward going first overall.
• 62% have Travis Hunter going second.
• 52% have Abdul Carter going third to the Giants.
• Shadore Sanders' most mocked spot is ninth overall to the Saints (30% of mock drafts).

These numbers have shifted over time, with Sanders previously having a higher probability of going third overall in mock drafts from a month ago.

Shadore Sanders: A Closer Look

Despite the recent reports and odds, it's worth examining Shadore Sanders as a potential pick for the Giants.

Giants' Interest in Sanders

The Giants have shown significant interest in Sanders throughout the draft process:

• Conducted a full evaluation of Sanders during last year's NFL draft, grading him as a day two player.
• Had a presence at every Colorado game this year.
• Met with Sanders at the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
• Brian Daboll and Sanders had a notable interaction at the combine.
• Brought Sanders in for a top 30 visit.

This level of interest suggests that the Giants are, at the very least, doing their due diligence on Sanders as a potential draft pick.

Sanders' Strengths

According to various scouting reports and analyses, Sanders has several notable strengths:

• Strong mental processing skills
• Quick and clean release
• Solid fundamentals
• Accurate passer with good ball placement
• Performs well under pressure
• Ability to recognize blitzes and manage pressure
• Underrated creator outside the pocket
• Strong playmaking instincts
• Confident and used to the spotlight

Concerns About Sanders

However, there are also some concerns about Sanders as a top-three pick:

• Lack of elite traits
• Below-average NFL arm strength
• Tendency to hold the ball too long
• Drifts and escapes backwards out of the pocket
• Limited sample size of NFL-style throws in college offense
• Good but not great athlete
• Potential lack of overall upside

The Case For and Against Drafting Sanders

Arguments for Drafting Sanders

1. Potential franchise quarterback: If the Giants believe Sanders can be their franchise QB, it may be worth using the third pick on him.
2. Mental processing and accuracy: Sanders' strengths in these areas are highly valued in NFL quarterbacks.
3. Performance under pressure: His ability to handle pressure both on and off the field could be valuable in the New York market.
4. Confidence and leadership: Sanders' personality and leadership qualities could be a good fit for the Giants' locker room.

Arguments Against Drafting Sanders

1. Value at third overall: There may be players with higher grades available at this pick, such as Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.
2. Arm strength concerns: Sanders' below-average arm strength could limit the Giants' offensive potential.
3. Limited upside: Some scouts believe Sanders is already close to his ceiling as a player.
4. Other quarterback options: The Giants have already signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, potentially reducing the need for an immediate starter.

The Giants' Draft Strategy

While the Giants may be leaning away from selecting Shadore Sanders with the third overall pick, it's important to remember that draft strategies can change quickly. The team has shown significant interest in Sanders throughout the process, and if they believe he can be their franchise quarterback, they may still consider him at third overall.

However, the Giants are also exploring other options. They've brought in several quarterbacks projected for later rounds on top 30 visits, including Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, and Kyle McCord. This suggests they may be considering addressing the quarterback position later in the draft.

Conclusion

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants' plans for the third overall pick remain uncertain. While recent reports and betting odds suggest that Shadore Sanders is unlikely to be the pick, it's not impossible. The Giants have shown significant interest in Sanders throughout the draft process, and if they believe he can be their franchise quarterback, they may still consider him at third overall.

However, the team also has other needs and may see more value in selecting a player like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. Additionally, they've explored other quarterback options, both through free agency and by scouting later-round prospects.

Ultimately, the Giants' decision will come down to their evaluation of Sanders and how he compares to other available players at the third pick. Fans and analysts will have to wait until draft night to see how the team's strategy unfolds.

Regardless of who the Giants select, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event that could shape the future of the franchise for years to come. As always, the key to success will be making the right decisions based on thorough evaluation and a clear long-term vision for the team.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrDH16lFM1E