New York Giants' Infatuation with Shedeur Sanders: A Deep Dive

The New York Giants and Shedeur Sanders: A Budding Romance?

The football world is abuzz with speculation about the New York Giants' apparent interest in Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Recent events at the East-West Shrine Bowl have only fueled these rumors, as the Giants' front office and coaching staff have been seen spending significant time with the young prospect.

Giants' Presence at the East-West Shrine Bowl

According to Jordan Raanan, an ESPN Giants insider, the team, particularly head coach Brian Daboll, invested considerable time meeting with Shedeur Sanders during the East-West Shrine Bowl week. While Sanders isn't participating in the game itself, he's present for team meetings and interactions.

A viral image circulated on Giants Twitter showing Sanders conversing with the Giants' front office in what appeared to be a hotel lobby. Present were:

• Brian Daboll (Head Coach)
• Joe Schoen (General Manager)
• Brandon Brown (Assistant General Manager)
• Dennis Hickey (Director of Player Personnel)

The group seemed engaged in a lengthy, comfortable conversation, with Joe Schoen notably laughing during the interaction.

Later, another image surfaced showing Sanders and Daboll on the practice field at the University of North Texas, further cementing the notion of their growing rapport.

A History of Interest

The Giants' fascination with Sanders isn't new. Throughout the 2023 college football season, the team's scouts and executives have been following Sanders closely:

• In November, Joe Schoen, Brandon Brown, and Giants legend Jesse Armstead visited the Colorado football facility in Boulder.
• The Giants attended two Colorado football practices during the 2023 season.
• There are rumors of a practice visit in spring 2024.
• Joe Schoen personally attended three Colorado games:
  1. The season opener against North Dakota State
  2. The game against Utah
  3. The final game of the season against BYU
• The Giants' front office also attended the Colorado vs. UCF game.

Industry Buzz

Connor Hughes of SNY reported in a recent mailbag that league circles believe the Giants have Sanders as their top quarterback prospect. Hughes mentioned that the Giants had a completed report on Sanders ready if he had declared for the 2024 NFL draft, where he would have been a target in the second or third round.

Jordan Raanan echoed this sentiment on his podcast, stating there was a belief during the season that the New York Giants were high on Sanders.

Shedeur's Hints

Interestingly, Sanders himself may have dropped some hints about his potential future with the Giants:

• Before Colorado's bowl game, Sanders stated that people would know which team he's going to based on the cleats he wears.
• His locker was spotted containing New York Giants-themed cleats.
• During the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City, Sanders was seen playing catch with Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers in front of a bodega.
• Sanders carried a New York Giants football throughout the Heisman Trophy ceremony weekend.

Deion Sanders' Comments

Even Shedeur's father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, has fueled speculation. On the Pacman Jones Show, when discussing draft scenarios, Deion emphatically stated that if the Giants had the number one pick, they would not give it up and would select Shedeur.

Scouting Report: Is Shedeur Sanders Worth the Third Overall Pick?

With the Giants holding the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the question arises: Is Shedeur Sanders worthy of such a high selection? Let's break down his strengths and potential concerns.

Strengths

1. Poise Under Pressure: Despite being sacked 99 times in the last two years, Sanders consistently demonstrates composure in the pocket. He's not afraid to take hits to make crucial throws.

2. Accuracy: Sanders is considered one of the most accurate quarterbacks in this draft class at all three levels of the field.

3. Football IQ: His greatest asset may be his mental acuity. Sanders excels at reading defenses, progressing through his reads, and making timely decisions.

4. Experience: As a four-year starter in college, Sanders brings a wealth of game experience to the table.

5. Underrated Athleticism: While not known for his running ability, Sanders is more mobile than many give him credit for. He can extend plays and pick up crucial yards when necessary.

Potential Concerns

1. Lack of Elite Physical Traits: Sanders doesn't possess the cannon arm or exceptional athleticism that some teams covet in top quarterback prospects.

2. Ball Holding: At times, Sanders holds onto the ball longer than ideal, though this may be partly due to poor offensive line play.

3. Ceiling Questions: Due to his lack of elite physical traits, there are questions about Sanders' ultimate ceiling as an NFL quarterback.

4. Team Dynamics: Some scouts wonder if Sanders' high profile could potentially overshadow the team.

Statistical Breakdown

Sanders showed significant improvement from 2023 to 2024:

• Increased passing yardage by nearly 1,000 yards
• Improved touchdown-to-interception ratio
• Decreased turnover-worthy play percentage
• Increased big-time throw percentage (prior to the final game against BYU)

Performance Under Pressure

One of Sanders' most impressive attributes is his performance when blitzed or under pressure:

• When blitzed (29.8% of the time in 2024):

  • 68.5% completion rate
  • 15 touchdowns
  • 3 interceptions
  • 11 big-time throws
  • 3 turnover-worthy plays

• When under pressure:

  • 55% completion rate
  • 12 touchdowns
  • 5 interceptions
  • 8 big-time throws
  • 7 turnover-worthy plays

These statistics suggest that Sanders' ability to perform under duress could translate well to the NFL level.

Pro Comparison

While pro comparisons are never perfect, they can provide a frame of reference for a prospect's potential:

• Ceiling: Joe Burrow - A surgeon from the pocket with elite accuracy and football IQ.
• Floor: Teddy Bridgewater - A solid NFL quarterback with good decision-making skills but lacking elite physical traits.

The Giants' Quarterback Conundrum

The New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads. With the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have a prime opportunity to select their quarterback of the future. The team's apparent interest in Shedeur Sanders suggests they see him as a potential solution to their long-standing quarterback issues.

Current Quarterback Situation

The Giants have struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position since the decline and retirement of Eli Manning. Daniel Jones, their first-round pick in 2019, has shown flashes but has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. The team's backup options have not provided the stability or upside needed for a franchise looking to compete in the tough NFC East.

Why Sanders Might Fit

1. Pro-Ready Skills: Sanders' football IQ and accuracy could allow him to contribute immediately.

2. Scheme Fit: Brian Daboll's offense requires a quarterback who can make quick decisions and accurate throws, which aligns with Sanders' strengths.

3. Media Preparedness: Having grown up in the spotlight as Deion Sanders' son, Shedeur may be better equipped to handle the New York media market than other prospects.

4. Leadership Potential: Sanders has shown the ability to elevate his teammates' play and handle adversity, crucial traits for a New York quarterback.

Potential Challenges

1. Offensive Line Concerns: The Giants' offensive line has been a weakness, which could be problematic for a quarterback who has already taken a lot of hits in college.

2. Weapons Development: The Giants would need to continue investing in offensive weapons to maximize Sanders' potential.

3. Expectations Management: As a high-profile pick, Sanders would face immense pressure to perform immediately.

Draft Strategy and Implications

If the Giants do indeed have Sanders as their top quarterback prospect, it could significantly impact their draft strategy:

1. Stay at #3: If they believe another team might trade up for Sanders, the Giants may need to stay put and select him at third overall.

2. Trade Down: If they feel confident Sanders will be available later, they could trade down to accumulate more picks while still securing their target.

3. Best Player Available: If Sanders is taken before their pick, the Giants would need to pivot to other top prospects or consider trading down.

The NFC East Quarterback Landscape

Selecting Sanders would thrust him into a division with established quarterbacks:

• Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
• Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
• Sam Howell (Washington Commanders)

The Giants would be banking on Sanders' potential to elevate their offense to compete with these divisional rivals.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk

Drafting Shedeur Sanders with the third overall pick would be a bold move for the New York Giants, but one that could pay dividends if he reaches his potential. His accuracy, football IQ, and poise under pressure are traits that translate well to the NFL level. However, the lack of elite physical tools and questions about his ceiling create some risk.

Ultimately, the Giants' decision will come down to their evaluation of Sanders' potential to be a franchise quarterback. If they believe he can be the leader to bring them back to contention in the NFC East, then using the third pick on him could be justified.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Giants' front office. Their interactions with Sanders at the East-West Shrine Bowl and throughout the pre-draft process will be scrutinized for any hints of their intentions. For Giants fans, the possibility of landing a potential franchise quarterback is tantalizing, but only time will tell if Shedeur Sanders is truly the answer to their quarterback quandary.

Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the New York Giants organization. Whether they select Sanders or go in a different direction, their decision will shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4VjipF966M