Giants' Intense Interest in Colorado Pro Day: Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter Showcase

Giants Make Strong Presence at Colorado Pro Day

The New York Giants made their intentions clear at the recent Colorado Pro Day, sending a larger contingent than any other NFL team. This showcase, featuring top prospects Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, drew significant attention from the Giants' organization, potentially signaling their draft strategy for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Giants' Impressive Turnout

The Giants' presence at the Colorado Pro Day was nothing short of remarkable. Here's a breakdown of the key personnel in attendance:

• Ownership representation: Chris Mara, brother of John Mara and senior player personnel executive
• Front office: General Manager Joe Shane and Assistant General Manager Brandon Brown
• Special assistant: Jesse Armstead, former Giants player
• Player personnel: Director Tim McDonald and Assistant Director Dennis Hickey
• Scouting: College area scout Hannah Bernett
• Coaching staff: Head Coach Brian Daboll, Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen, and several position coaches including Mike Kafka, Shea Tierney, Marquand Manuel, and Mike Groh
• Quarterback specialist: Assistant quarterback coach Chad Hall

This extensive list demonstrates the Giants' serious interest in the Colorado prospects, particularly Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

Shadeur Sanders: A Closer Look

Shadeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, participated fully in the Pro Day, showcasing his skills as a potential NFL quarterback.

Pro Day Performance

Sanders' official numbers from the Pro Day were impressive:

• Completed 58 of 63 passes
• Only 5 incompletions, with 3 attributed to drops

However, raw numbers don't tell the whole story. Let's delve deeper into Sanders' performance and what it might mean for his NFL prospects.

Strengths Displayed

1. Accuracy: Sanders demonstrated pinpoint accuracy on most of his throws, confirming his reputation as a precise passer.
2. Mechanics: His throwing motion and footwork appeared sound and consistent throughout the session.
3. Anticipation: Sanders showed the ability to anticipate receivers' routes and release the ball before they made their breaks.
4. Touch: He exhibited excellent touch on various throws, particularly on deep balls.

Areas for Improvement

1. Arm strength: Some observers noted that Sanders' throws lacked the zip typically associated with top NFL prospects.
2. Velocity on intermediate routes: There were questions about his ability to drive the ball on out routes and other intermediate patterns.
3. Tight window throws: Sanders didn't showcase many throws into tight coverage, leaving some uncertainty about this crucial NFL skill.

Overall Impression

While Sanders had a solid showing, he didn't necessarily exceed expectations or alleviate all concerns about his physical tools. His performance largely confirmed what scouts have seen on film: an accurate, technically sound quarterback with questions about his arm strength and ability to make all the NFL throws.

Travis Hunter: Two-Way Talent

Travis Hunter, the versatile cornerback/wide receiver, also participated in the Colorado Pro Day, albeit in a limited capacity.

Pro Day Participation

Hunter's involvement in the Pro Day was a last-minute decision, and he focused solely on receiving drills:

• Ran various short and intermediate routes
• Did not participate in deep routes or defensive back drills
• Chose to catch passes without gloves

Impressive Receiving Skills

Despite the limited showcase, Hunter demonstrated several key attributes:

1. Catching technique: Hunter displayed excellent hand placement and concentration when receiving passes.
2. Body control: He showed the ability to adjust to off-target throws, making difficult catches look routine.
3. Route running: Although he didn't run a full route tree, Hunter's movements appeared crisp and precise.
4. Versatility: His decision to focus on receiving drills may hint at his preferred position at the NFL level.

Giants' Interest in Hunter

The interaction between Hunter and Giants' head coach Brian Daboll was particularly noteworthy. Daboll appeared visibly excited when speaking with Hunter, suggesting a strong interest in the player's potential fit with the team.

Implications for the Giants' Draft Strategy

The Giants' substantial presence at the Colorado Pro Day, combined with their interactions with both Sanders and Hunter, provides insight into their potential draft strategy.

The Third Overall Pick

With the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants are in a prime position to select a franchise-altering talent. Their interest in Sanders and Hunter suggests they're strongly considering one of these players for that spot.

Quarterback Need

The Giants have been searching for a franchise quarterback for several years. Shadeur Sanders could be the answer they're looking for:

• His accuracy and anticipation skills fit well in modern NFL offenses
• The Giants' coaching staff, particularly Brian Daboll, has a track record of developing quarterbacks
• Sanders' marketability and pedigree could make him an attractive face of the franchise

However, concerns about his arm strength and ability to make all NFL throws might give the team pause, especially for such a high pick.

Defensive Playmaker

Travis Hunter's versatility as both a cornerback and wide receiver makes him an intriguing option:

• His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball provides exceptional value
• The Giants' defense could use a shutdown corner with ball skills
• Hunter's receiving abilities could also help bolster the offense

The main question with Hunter is whether his two-way abilities will translate to the NFL level, where specialization is more common.

Other Considerations

While Sanders and Hunter are clearly of interest to the Giants, they're not the only options for the third pick:

• Abdul Carter: The team has also shown interest in this top defensive prospect
• Trade scenarios: The Giants could potentially trade down if they feel they can acquire more assets while still drafting a player they covet

The Road to the Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Giants' interest in the Colorado prospects adds intrigue to their decision-making process. Here are some key factors to watch:

1. Private workouts: Will the Giants bring Sanders or Hunter in for additional private sessions?
2. Combine results: How do these players' measurables compare to other top prospects?
3. Medical evaluations: Are there any hidden concerns that could affect draft stock?
4. Team needs: How will the Giants prioritize quarterback vs. defensive playmaker?
5. Draft board movement: Will other teams' interest force the Giants' hand?

Conclusion

The New York Giants' significant presence at the Colorado Pro Day underscores their serious interest in Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. As the draft approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if one of these talented prospects ends up donning Giants blue in 2025.

Whether the Giants opt for Sanders' potential as a franchise quarterback, Hunter's versatility as a two-way player, or go in a completely different direction, their actions at the Colorado Pro Day have certainly added excitement to their draft preparations.

As always, the draft remains unpredictable, and the Giants' final decision won't be known until they're on the clock. But one thing is certain: the team's thorough evaluation of the Colorado prospects demonstrates their commitment to making the most of their high draft position and building a competitive roster for years to come.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbFBkh03kKc