The New York Giants have spent much of the past year thoroughly evaluating the quarterback, but one analyst now believes the smartest move could be passing on him.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Giants—holding the No. 3 overall pick—are in a prime position to land one of three elite prospects: Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, or Sanders. While the talent pool is rich, the opinions are just as divided. Among those weighing in is Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, who suggests Shedeur Sanders is the one player New York should steer clear of.
That’s a surprising take, especially considering the extensive scouting the Giants have done on the Colorado quarterback. However, Sobleski’s hesitation isn’t rooted in questions about Sanders’ skillset—it’s more about organizational alignment and timing.
He argues that selecting Sanders could deepen existing tensions within the Giants’ power structure. It might come off as a top-down directive rather than a collective decision from the football operations staff, potentially driving a wedge between ownership and the current regime of GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
“Bringing in Sanders would almost certainly be ownership’s call,” Sobleski wrote. “Schoen and Daboll would then face relentless questions about when Sanders will play, all while navigating a potentially volatile quarterback situation. Essentially, they’d be grooming a quarterback for whoever takes over their jobs next.”
It’s a valid point. Schoen and Daboll are already under the gun after two disappointing seasons. Their signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston suggest an intent to stabilize the QB spot in the short term. Adding Sanders—who carries star power and sky-high expectations—could derail that effort and create additional stress in a make-or-break year.
In contrast, prospects like Hunter and Carter present clearer paths to immediate impact. Carter could immediately elevate the defense by teaming up with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Hunter, a dynamic two-way player, could line up opposite Malik Nabers on offense or contribute to the secondary—depending on where he’s needed most.
Both offer less off-field distraction and a more straightforward Year 1 role. Sanders, meanwhile, would bring a media spotlight and narrative that might not fit the Giants’ current circumstances.
The Giants have done more homework on Sanders than any other team, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll draft him. Whether they pull the trigger likely depends on how much risk Schoen and Daboll can realistically take.
In a draft loaded with strong choices, picking the wrong one could have major consequences.