Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Dilemma: Can the Giants Afford to Pass on the Star QB?

The Giants' Quarterback Conundrum

Shedeur Sanders' infectious grin said it all during his NFL Combine press conference when asked about potentially joining the New York Giants. The former Colorado star quarterback visibly brightened at the prospect of beginning his professional career in the league's biggest media market.

"When that last name is on your back, you're going to be attacked, ridiculed by naysayers. So, we're built for that," Hall of Fame father Deion Sanders declared during Colorado's Pro Day. This mental toughness might be precisely what's needed for the Giants' QB of the future.

Scouting the Polarizing Prospect

Scouts remain divided on Sanders' NFL potential:

• Strengths: Elite accuracy (74% completion, 37 TDs in 2024), quick decision-making, and poise under pressure
• Concerns: Average arm strength (6'1½", 212 lbs), limited mobility (306 rushing yards vs. 356 sack yards lost), and schematic questions

ESPN analysts' divergent rankings highlight the debate:

• Mel Kiper has him as his No. 5 overall prospect
• Jordan Reid and Matt Miller rank him 19th

The Giants' Quarterback Quandary

New York's front office faces a franchise-altering decision:

• Currently hold the No. 3 overall pick
• Recently signed veteran QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston
• Must weigh Sanders against elite non-QB talents:
  • Edge rusher Abdul Carter
  • Two-way star Travis Hunter

Scheme Fit Considerations

Potential Advantages:

• Sanders thrived on short passing (33.8% at/beyond LOS)
• Fits Daboll's early-career Josh Allen development plan
• Giants boast YAC weapons like Malik Nabers

Potential Red Flags:

• Only 13.6% vertical route attempts (95.2 QBR when going deep)
• Roster built for explosive passing game
• Questionable arm strength for New York's weather conditions

The Scouting Community's Split Verdict

Colorado OC Pat Shurmur vehemently defends his former QB:

"I don't know of any throw he can't make... There's a heroic nature that he has and he can make plays off-schedule."

Yet some Giants evaluators reportedly prefer targeting a QB later in the draft while addressing other needs at No. 3. With the Titans likely taking Cam Ward first overall, New York's decision on Sanders could define their franchise trajectory for years to come.