ESPN’s Matt Miller Mocks Shedeur Sanders to Giants Despite Russell Wilson Signing
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, speculation is heating up about what the New York Giants will do with the No. 3 overall pick. In ESPN’s latest seven-round mock draft, analyst Matt Miller projects that the Giants will select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, even after signing veteran signal-callers Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
This decision would add yet another quarterback to the Giants’ depth chart and create an interesting dynamic for the franchise heading into the future. With Tennessee’s Cam Ward going first overall to the Titans and linebacker Abdul Carter landing with the Browns at No. 2, Miller faced a tough choice between Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter. Ultimately, he opted for the quarterback, justifying the pick with the belief that New York still lacks a long-term answer at the position.
Why Would the Giants Draft Sanders?
Miller explains that despite bringing in Wilson and Winston, the Giants are under pressure to secure a franchise quarterback for the future. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen need stability at the position, and Sanders’ ability as an accurate, composed pocket passer makes him an intriguing option.
“Shedeur is poised with great field vision and an ability to throw his guys open from the pocket,” Miller wrote. “He also helped change the culture at both Jackson State and Colorado alongside his father and coach, Deion Sanders.”
The logic behind the move is that Wilson could help mentor Sanders, giving the young quarterback time to develop before taking over as the team’s starter. Additionally, the Giants’ record in 2025 could prevent them from landing a top quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft, making this pick even more critical.
Is This Pick a Sure Thing? Not So Fast.
Not everyone agrees with this projection. Giants beat writer Ed Valentine argues that while opinions on the team’s quarterback future are divided, he doesn’t believe selecting Sanders is the most likely outcome.
“I have asked around as much as I can and opinions as to whether the Giants would or would not still select Sanders in this spot are split,” Valentine wrote.
Fox Sports analyst Peter Schrager also weighed in, suggesting that the Giants’ interest in Sanders isn’t set in stone.
“If Shedeur Sanders is there at No. 3, are the Giants set on taking him? Not so fast,” Schrager said on Good Morning Football.
With Sanders’ Pro Day, a Top-30 visit with the Giants, and a private workout still to come, the final decision remains up in the air.
Other Notable Picks in Miller’s Giants Mock Draft
Miller’s mock doesn’t stop with Sanders—he also lays out how the Giants might build around their new quarterback.
Round 2 (No. 34) – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Miller believes the Giants need more playmakers, even after selecting Malik Nabers last year. Egbuka is a strong route-runner with the ability to make plays after the catch.
However, not everyone agrees with this pick. Valentine argues that the Giants already have a similar slot receiver in Wan’Dale Robinson and that this selection would be better spent on an offensive or defensive lineman.
Round 3 (No. 67) – Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
The Giants shift to defense in the third round, selecting an explosive 5-technique defensive tackle who stood out at the Senior Bowl. Alexander’s size and power make him a potential long-term starter on the defensive line.
Round 3 (No. 99) – Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Carter is a versatile linebacker who has been a playmaker for Clemson, racking up sacks, interceptions, and tackles for loss throughout his college career.
Day 3 Picks and Final Thoughts
The Giants rounded out their draft with:
Round 4 (No. 105) – Bradyn Swinson, Edge, LSU
Round 5 (No. 154) – Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
Round 7 (No. 219) – Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Round 7 (No. 246) – Xavier Truss, G, Georgia
While Miller’s draft focuses on adding offensive weapons early, some believe the Giants would be better served bolstering the trenches first. Regardless of the direction they take, their decision at No. 3 will be one of the most talked-about moments of the draft.