The New York Giants are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 NFL Draft, holding the No. 3 overall pick, which could secure them one of the draft’s top talents. The team faces a significant decision, as the pick could potentially be used to select a franchise quarterback, a choice complicated by their recent free agency signings. In the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Field Yates, the Giants are projected to stick with their third overall pick and pass on one of the top prospects, opting instead for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Despite the Giants’ signings of veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, Yates believes that selecting Sanders, if the team sees him as the future franchise QB, would be a decision focused on long-term stability rather than immediate results. Sanders, who passed for 4,134 yards and completed 74% of his passes last season, is considered a top quarterback prospect but needs to improve his performance under pressure. Yates also suggests that sitting behind veterans Wilson and Winston would give Sanders the chance to develop without the immediate pressure of being the starting quarterback.
Although Sanders is widely regarded as the second-best quarterback in this draft, he is not typically ranked among the top three overall prospects, with some draft boards placing him in the 20s or 40s. With Wilson and Winston both on short-term contracts, the Giants do not currently have a long-term answer at quarterback, making Sanders a potential investment in the future.
However, selecting Sanders would mean passing on a top prospect like Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who is regarded by some as the best player in the draft. This could be a tough decision for fans, especially since Sanders is unlikely to start immediately. In Round 2, Yates predicts the Giants will focus on strengthening their offensive line, though not by selecting at No. 34, where they currently hold a pick.
Instead, the Giants are expected to trade down, acquire more draft capital, and select Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker. Booker, a powerful player who allowed just one sack in 38 career games, would be a solid fit for the Giants, especially given their lack of upgrades at offensive guard this offseason. While Booker played left guard in college, transitioning him to the right guard spot could take time but would provide the team with a long-term solution. The Giants, coming off a 3-14 season, are in desperate need of success in 2025. However, the mock draft emphasizes the importance of long-term planning over immediate gains, as the team balances the need for impact players now with the goal of building a stronger foundation for the future.
