A Reliable, Cerebral Quarterback Who Could Be the Future of the Giants
Shedeur Sanders may not be the most electrifying quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, but what he lacks in flash, he makes up for with reliability, precision, and a strong football IQ. Sound familiar? Fans of the New York Giants might hear echoes of a young Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion who defined a generation of Giants football.
Like Eli, Sanders is not known for his mobility, but his accurate passing, mental toughness, and game intelligence make him a top-tier prospect. Could he be the next great quarterback under the lights of MetLife Stadium?
Strengths: Precision, Poise, and Elite Football IQ
In 2024, Shedeur Sanders completed an impressive 74% of his passes, showcasing not only accuracy but also timing and decision-making. He excels at recognizing soft spots in zone coverage and placing the ball where only his receiver can catch it.
The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has grown up with a deep understanding of the game. His ability to stay calm under pressure and read defenses has helped him avoid costly turnovers—a rare trait for college quarterbacks.
Even when facing relentless defensive pressure, Sanders demonstrated the ability to extend plays and throw on the move. His poise in collapsing pockets and knack for making smart decisions are NFL-ready.
Perhaps most importantly, Shedeur brings a resilient mindset. Throughout his career, he’s dealt with skepticism and comparisons to his legendary father. Yet, he’s carved out his own path through performance, leadership, and consistent improvement.
NFL scouts are also impressed with his maturity. According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, Sanders left a positive impression during team interviews, suggesting he’s a safe and stable choice for any franchise.
Weaknesses: Limited Mobility, Impatience Under Pressure, Average Arm Strength
However, Sanders isn’t without flaws. He was sacked 99 times over the past two seasons—some due to a weak offensive line, but others stemmed from holding the ball too long. At times, he’s been too eager to move out of the pocket rather than trusting the play to develop.
Unlike dual-threat QBs like Lamar Jackson, Sanders is more of a traditional pocket passer, similar to Jared Goff or Geno Smith. While he can scramble for short gains or goal-line scores, he won’t threaten defenses with his legs.
His arm strength is another area of concern. He can make the necessary throws, but he lacks the zip and velocity of elite passers like Josh Allen or Justin Herbert. In today’s NFL, where tight windows and fast decisions are the norm, this could limit his upside.
Compared to fellow 2024 draft prospect J.J. McCarthy, Sanders may come off as the safer, less dynamic option.
Best Team Fits: Giants, Titans, Raiders, Jets, Browns, Saints, Cowboys
Several NFL teams could see Sanders as their quarterback of the future:
- New York Giants: With Russell Wilson likely a short-term bridge, Sanders could sit, learn, and eventually follow in Eli Manning’s footsteps.
- Tennessee Titans: If they don’t go with the more athletic Cam Ward, Sanders could be their surprise pick.
- Cleveland Browns: After the Watson experiment, Sanders offers stability and potential long-term upside.
- Las Vegas Raiders / New York Jets / New Orleans Saints / Dallas Cowboys: These teams may not be in immediate need of a starter, but Sanders could develop into a franchise QB over the next year or two.
A Patient Path to Stardom?
If he lands in New York, Sanders would have the chance to learn from veterans like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, gaining experience and insight before potentially taking over in 2026. Watching Wilson throw deep and Winston take calculated risks could shape Sanders into a more complete player.
With the right coaching and system, Shedeur Sanders could become the steady hand the Giants have been searching for since Manning’s retirement.
