The 2025 NFL Draft is just days away, and speculation persists surrounding the future of Colorado quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders. Originally believed to be in with a shot of being taken first overall, Sanders has seen his name linked with teams picking outside the top 20 in recent weeks.
During a recent episode of “Path to the Draft” on NFL Network, NFL insider Tom Pelissero discussed the prospect’s potential landing spots and the adjustments he’ll face in the NFL.
All Eyes on the New York Giants Regarding Shedeur Sanders
The twists and turns of pre-draft narratives have applied to Sanders more than any other player in the 2025 draft class. The prospect has gone from No. 1 contender to second-round prospect to potential top-three pick in a matter of weeks. With the player’s future still up in the air, Pelissero walked through the list of possibilities for Sanders, with the New York Giants at the top of his list.
“All eyes are on the New York Giants. They own the No. 3 overall pick. They’ve done as much work on Shedeur Sanders as any team has done, on any prospect in this draft. Every open practice, they were there; every game, they were there; they brought him in for a visit; they went to his showcase; they did a private workout with him just last week.
“Now that does not necessarily mean they are taking Shedeur at No. 3. But certainly, they have done every bit of homework you would anticipate someone doing if they are weighing possibly drafting someone to be their franchise quarterback.”
From Path to the Draft: Discussing and debating with @TomPelissero the future of Shedeur Sanders, how he fits into the #Giants plans… and if he goes 3, what does that mean if #PSU edge Abdul Carter is still on the board? pic.twitter.com/MqDNAYskfN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet)
The Giants were initially believed to have been in the running for Sanders, but that talk cooled after the team signed both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in free agency. Recently, though, whispers linking Sanders and New York have emerged once more.
Pelissero Suggests that Sanders Could Be In for a Potential Culture Shock in the NFL
Pelissero then alluded to the fact that Sanders has only ever played for his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders. The insider suggested that, having only ever been coached by one man, 2025 would be a big adjustment for the quarterback, regardless of where he lands.
“He’s a really unique prospect for a lot of different reasons, including the fact that he’s really only been coached by his father through his career. That’s one of the questions, potential concerns about Shedeur Sanders; what kind of culture shock is he in for here?”
Concerns about Sanders’ lack of coaching variation may be warranted. Most first-round quarterbacks go through their fair share of coaching changes early on, due to being drafted by struggling organizations. However, only time will tell if Sanders’ parentally designed path to the NFL will have an impact on his production, something no amount of pre-draft research can reveal.