With the third-overall pick and the front office on the hot seat, there’s nothing more important for Joe Schoen than taking the right player.
With this in mind, the Giants are in a prime position to draft a generational talent, Travis Hunter. There is also a “blue chip” edge rusher, Abdul Carter. Either of these selections would be a great decision, so why are the Giants so interested in Shedeur Sanders?
The Giants’ QB Desperation Continues
The Giants haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Eli Manning. While Shedeur Sanders isn’t likely to be one, it’s the closest thing they’ll find to one in this draft.
Since the start of last season, the Giants have been obsessed with Sanders. He seems to feel the same: practicing in Giants cleats, playing catch with Malik Nabers, and Schoen meeting with him at the Senior Bowl. Schoen even had scouts attend every Colorado game last season.
No matter how Shedeur performed week to week last season, the Giants were the team that showed the most interest.
But why is Schoen so intrigued?
Sanders lacks the traits to be a premier pick. He has an average arm at best, limiting the Giants’ deep threats in Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton.
Sanders also tends to stay in the pocket too long. Taking 42 sacks last year, this number will look similar behind the Giants’ lackluster offensive line. He also lacks the size and athleticism to be an elite escape artist and overcome these obstacles.
Even after signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Schoen desperately needs a long-term solution. Wilson provides a much-needed veteran presence that can teach their young talent and serve as a bridge until they draft their true franchise quarterback next season, making it unnecessary to reach for a quarterback this year.
The Giants Need to Draft the Best Player Available
The Titans will likely draft Cam Ward at No. 1, so the Giants will be left with either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.
With the Giants already having a solid pass rush and the Cleveland Browns potentially wanting to pair Carter with Myles Garrett, this leaves them with Hunter.
Hunter is a generational prospect. With his supreme athleticism, hands and technique, there’s no reason to pass on him. Hunter is the first player to play both sides of the ball to this degree, and the Giants need help at both positions. With Hunter’s willingness to be so dynamic, he will be a winning player on day one.
Although Wilson is a shell of his former self, he still has a great deep ball. Hunter will force the defense to pick their poison between guarding him and Nabers. He will bring a dynamism to the offense they haven’t had in years.
Along with his receiving skills, Hunter is also an outstanding cornerback. After Deonte Banks‘s disastrous sophomore season, the Giants needed to make some moves. The Giants pairing Hunter with newly signed Paulson Adebo can put them at the top of the NFL in forced turnovers.
If Hunter is already taken, Carter would still be a great selection. The Giants already have a solid pass rush, but Carter would make it unstoppable. The Giants were a poor run defense last year, finishing in the bottom 10 in many categories. Carter would be a great help for that, having 23.5 tackles for loss last season.
There is a Better Quarterback Available than Shedeur Sanders
In a shocking reality where Hunter and Carter go first and second, Cam Ward is a home-run pick, and Ward is the franchise quarterback who will save everyone’s jobs. Ward has an exceptional arm, accuracy, and feel for the game.
Ward has some key traits Shedeur Sanders lacks. Although they both tend to stand in the pocket too long, Ward can escape pressure. With his speed and ability to keep his eyes downfield, Ward keeps the defense on its toes. Because of this, Ward took 20 fewer sacks than Shedeur last season.
Given the opportunity to take Ward, this would be the player Giants fans have wished for for years, and it would save Joe Schoen’s job.
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