Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Giants take clutch QB with 'big-game mettle' in recent mock draft

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 9:44 AM ET

As the son of Hall of Fame cornerback “Neon” Deion Sanders, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is no stranger to the spotlight, and, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., he’s about to see more of it.

In his latest mock draft, Kiper has the New York Giants taking Sanders third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He rates Miami quarterback Cam Ward slightly higher but has the Tennessee Titans drafting Ward first overall.

Aside from Tommy DeVito, who’s considered an exclusive-rights free agent, the Giants have no quarterbacks signed for next season. The team released Daniel Jones in Week 11 after signing him to a four-year, $160M contract in 2023, and Drew Lock is a free agent after going 1-4 in five starts with the team.

Sanders started 24 games for Colorado, throwing for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns with his father (a.k.a. Coach Prime) serving as head coach of the team. Last season, Sanders completed 74% of his passes, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt, with 37 touchdowns, second-most in the FBS behind Ward (39).

Shedeur Sanders DART to Will Sheppard for a 47 yard TD @ShedeurSanders x @WillShep20

: @CFBONFOX pic.twitter.com/Kp7z5re6hV
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 28, 2024

He also took more sacks (42) than any college quarterback, which does raise questions about how he’ll perform at the next level. To be fair, Pro Football Focus points out that Sanders had an abysmal average of three seconds to throw last season. It has Sanders rated as the second-best quarterback in the draft and 43rd-best prospect overall.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid calls Sanders, “the most polished passer in the 2025 class,” while his colleague Field Yates is “impressed with Sanders' big-game mettle, as he thrived in clutch moments for much of the season.”

One thing is for sure: Sanders won’t be bothered by the bright lights of New York City. With NIL deals that include Nike, Beats by Dre and Google, he’s already a brand worth $6.5M, per on3.com. If things don’t work out at MetLife Stadium, he could always try Madison Avenue.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that Sanders showed off a pair of custom New York Giants cleats before this year’s Alamo Bowl. He didn’t wear them in the game but clearly demonstrated his affinity for the team. If the shoe fits...

Bruce Ewing

Bruce Ewing is 183 pounds of twisted steel and Happy Meals. His work has appeared on Yardbarker, 5th Down Fantasy, Inside the Iggles and MSN. Give a Philly fan a break and follow him on Twitter/X at @fantasybruce.

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