Way-Too-Early Mock Draft: Giants Pick Polarizing Passer
The New York Giants have made it clear – with their actions if not their words – that quarterback Daniel Jones’ leash has run short. After a season in which Jones fell well below the expectations his 2022 playoff appearance earned him, the ability to get out of his contract in 2025 feels more relevant than ever before.
However, simply replacing him isn’t anything more than a cost-cutting measure unless the next face of the franchise is found soon after.
Thus, it feels incredibly likely that New York will pick a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
In CBS Sports’ recent mock draft, the Giants do just that, picking Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the fifth pick.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, is most known for the relationship with his father, but he’s done enough to be in the conversation for the top quarterback in this class – even if that’s because this year’s crop of passers is closer to 2022 than 2023.
“Shedeur and Co. would be thrilled to land in the New York City media market, and Brian Daboll’s work with Josh Allen – if the Giants coach can keep his job if 2024 is disappointing,” Chris Trapasso wrote.
At his best, Sanders is an intangibly-strong passer who can progress through full-field reads, efficiently distribute the football, and make impressive throws without putting the ball in harm’s way. In that regard, he is fairly similar to Detroit Lions passer and former No. 1 pick Jared Goff.
However, the warts in his game may ultimately push him down to Day 2 if not improved upon. That ability to keep the ball safe often blurs the line between smart and timid, and he’ll likely be asked to test tougher windows at the next level. He also struggles under pressure, turning over a quarter of his pressures into sacks last season.
The most polarizing part of his profile, though, is that Sanders connection. Deion Sanders has not been shy about his son playing for certain teams (or not playing for them). His proclivity for the spotlight may make interested teams feel like they are drafting Shedeur and his father.
Subsequently, Sanders is under immense pressure to succeed in 2024, especially after a poor second half last season. Taking his game up a level could lock him into the first round and quiet any of the non-talent concerns in his profile.
