Nearing the finish line of a second straight quarterback research project ahead of a draft, the Giants have covered their bases on Shedeur Sanders. Although they are not expected to draft the second-generation NFL prospect at No. 3 overall, rumors indicating a trade-up move to acquire him are still circulating.
The Giants spoke with Sanders at the Combine, hosted him on a “30” visit, dined with him before Colorado’s pro day and worked him out in Boulder last week. Darius Slayton‘s sister, Maleika, also serves as Colorado’s director of on-campus recruiting. Describing Joe Schoen‘s thorough examination of Sanders, one GM informed ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter the fourth-year GM “has lived in Boulder.” Still, Sanders’ stock has undeniably fallen since last season, when Giants connections first emerged.
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Sanders-Giants hype has “cooled dramatically” since December, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, who indicates Jaxson Dart buzz is building. The Ole Miss product came up as a player Brian Daboll liked, and Hughes calls Dart a name to watch regarding a trade-up move. Dart has been tied to the Saints and Steelers as well, as the three teams join the Browns as clubs interested in the second wave of QBs in this draft — though, perhaps not with a high pick in the round.
A trade-up derby of sorts is shaping up after the Titans’ Cam Ward pick (one almost certain to begin the draft). Sanders does not seem out of the question to be a Giants target after they make a pick at No. 3 overall (presumably Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter), but Schefter adds a belief within the league points to some in the Giants’ organization are higher on Sanders than others. A recent report also pegged the Daboll-Schoen relationship becoming increasingly tense — as their seats warm — though Daboll, as could be expected, said (via the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz) he and his former Bills coworker are aligned.
After Dave Gettleman pick Daniel Jones‘ extended runway to prove a worthy Eli Manning successor did not produce a smooth takeoff, Schoen and Daboll may have just one more offseason to identify their own QB. John Mara said in January his patience has almost run out with the state of the team, raising the stakes for this draft. While Schoen has said the signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston give the team flexibility, not leaving this draft with a long-term option will make for a difficult sell.
The prospect of Sanders falling out of the first round should not be ruled out, per SI.com’s Albert Breer. As our Ely Allen noted in his prospect evaluation of the two-year Buffaloes starter, rumblings about the QB’s attitude turning teams off emerged during the pre-draft process. The Giants may have been one of them, as Breer describes the team as having gone through ups and downs with the passer during its lengthy evaluation.
While Sanders’ attitude may have alienated some during the earlier stages of this process, Breer adds the polarizing prospect is believed to have displayed more modesty recently. With his stock no longer approaching that of Ward, it would understandable if Sanders’ tune has changed as teams determine whether a player whose on-field traits have not proved captivating can be a long-term centerpiece.
Sanders falling out of the top 10 appears more likely, as a recent Breer offering indicated an owner may need to become involved for a team to pull the trigger in Round 1. While not viewing that assessment as gospel, Breer still can envision a Sanders fall. This could put the Steelers to a decision at No. 21, but with a report Mike Tomlin likes the QB surfacing, clubs have a range to target when preparing a trade-up maneuver. Sanders’ landing spot has probably become the most interesting storyline leading up to the draft.
I’ve said it before, but letting the coach and GM with the hottest seats in football invest heavily in a quarterback who requires a lot of projection to the pro game and probably shouldn’t play much at all his first year would be a wild choice.
Jaxson Dart went to Ole Miss. So did Eli Manning.
The culture of entitlement in East Rutherford has regenerated so much, the booing should be loud and long should the Giants select Dart in the first round.
Don’t forget that Danny Dimes coach was the same as Eli’s. That was stated non-stop.
“Entitlement” doesn’t fit the NY Giants culture. How do you see that they believe they deserve special treatment?
And most probably a choice that would lead both of them to the titles of Ex-Giants HC and GM…….
I don’t understand why ownership didn’t just fire Schoen and Daboll to begin with; it’s headed there, anyway. All the delay does is ensure they ruin any chance some young QB has of being successful, while they waste draft capital to move up to ruin said Quarterbacks career. The next regime won’t want someone else’s project QB.
@ooof dart is probably the third choice, but it might get wild after the steelers pick Sanders. As a chargers fan I’m hoping for a bidding war.
Does it sound crazy that I don’t think their seats are as hot as people think? I think even six or seven wins this coming season saves both of their jobs. Mara held on to Gettleman longer than everyone thought and even threw him a retirement party. Mara has been quicker to fire the head coach but I still don’t think he’ll be as quick with Daboll.
Given their schedule, 6-7 wins is a tall order but that’s where drafting Dart comes in. Maybe the only win 4-5 games, but now they’re starting Dart late in the season (or a different rookie QB) and he shows a little promise down the stretch. Then Mara says he values stability and Daboll and Schoen are saved.
Mara is a fool who can only luck into good decisions so I would not bet on Daboll and Schoen getting fired, even if they have another bad season.
You’re definitely not wrong about Mara; which is why that franchise is such a mess. Do you think Mara has thick enough skin to take the heat if he doesn’t make a move, though? If they somehow got to 8 wins, he might have something to point to and try to justify it. Looking at their schedule though, it’s rough.
The New York Giants’ future opponents schedule 2025
Home: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Green Bay, Kansas City, L.A. Chargers, Minnesota, San Francisco
Away: Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, New England, New Orleans
If Carr isn’t healthy, they’ll beat the Saints. I’d give them a chance against New England and San Francisco. Beyond that, I just don’t see many winnable games for them. Maybe they steal one from Dallas at home, but with luck I got them at 4 wins at best.
“Do you think Mara has thick enough skin to take the heat if he doesn’t make a move, though?”
To me, this is the only thing that might force Mara’s hand. imo, it’s what forced his hand with Gettleman, Judge, and even McAdoo. The fans and media screaming for them to get fired. If Judge didn’t do the double kneel-down, which embarrassed the franchise with fans and the media, he might still be the coach.
Also, agree. That schedule is brutal. I think there’s a good chance they don’t win a single home game. *That* could also be something that forces Mara to take action.
Missed this earlier. 1) The last couple of years have been so brutal that their seats have to be hot. 2) Mara made some comment about needing to see results soon after not firing them, which was not great sign.
I see Sanders as a Steeler but knowing our crazy GM, Jerry drafts him 12th.
The least shocking thing of the draft cycle. This is the same franchise that took Daniel Jones at 6 and according to Ben McAdoo blocked a trade up for Patrick Mahomes.
If the Giants draft him they’ll be greatly disappointed when he turns into the next Josh Rosen