Insider expands on Giants' alleged opinion of Shedeur Sanders ahead of draft

New York Giants reporter Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic wrote Tuesday that it's now "less likely the franchise" will use the third overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft to take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, arguably the most polarizing prospect in this year's class. 

ESPN's Jordan Raanan later expanded on why the Giants may pass on Sanders and target a different signal-caller during the draft.

"One source with knowledge of the Giants' thinking doesn't believe they are in love with Sanders," Raanan explained. "Some in the organization are working under the premise that New York will take [Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter] at pick No. 3 and look for a quarterback either later in the first round or on Day 2."

Specifically, the Giants are among the teams linked with Alabama's Jalen Milroe. Some think the Pittsburgh Steelers will grab Milroe 21st overall, but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes Milroe will be available for the Giants at No. 34.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns reportedly haven't made a final call regarding what to do with the draft's second choice. Cleveland could take Sanders, Carter, or Hunter, but the Browns could also try to trade out of pick No. 2 and move back into the first round for a project quarterback like Milroe or Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart. Milroe previously played under Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees in college. 

"A large percentage of Sanders' throws were at or behind the line of scrimmage last season," Raanan added. "He was fifth in [the Football Bowl Subdivision] with 33.8% of his passes of this variety. ...The Giants are a team with a roster that is built to take chances downfield."

Specifically, it's believed one reason the Giants signed quarterback Russell Wilson in free agency is that his ability to throw the deep ball could allow what Raanan referred to as "get-down-the-field" targets such as second-year pro Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and Theo Johnson to burn opposing defenses this fall. 

"Just 13.6% of Sanders' attempts last season came on vertical routes, a below-average amount, even in college," Raanan continued. "But he did post an impressive 95.2 QBR on deep throws."

Browns insider Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand pointed out Tuesday that "nobody has a good handle on where the top quarterbacks will be taken" other than Miami's Cam Ward. That said, it's sounding increasingly like the Giants weren't overly impressed by how Sanders performed during his pro day workout.