No Shedeur Sanders, no problem: Top NFL draft analyst floats out-of-the-box solution for QB-needy Giants

The New York Giants will have the third pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The team desperately needs a quarterback after the debacle surrounding Daniel Jones the last few seasons. Since releasing Jones, the team started Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle to no avail. Which now leaves the door open for a new quarterback heading into 2025.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was expected to be on top of the draft board for New York, but in the last few days, there have been questions if he would still be available as the third pick.

Veteran NFL Insider and draft expert Mel Kiper was a guest on the "Unsportsmanlike Radio" show and gave another option for the New York Giants.

“I would say the Giants would be the Shedeur spot. I think Cleveland could take Travis Hunter.

“J.J. McCarthy’s a year younger than Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. He’s coming off the injury. But if you look at his grade last year compared to this year’s quarterbacks, he would be the number one guy ahead of Cam and Shedeur. I think the decision the Vikings make based on how Sam Darnold plays in the playoffs will determine J.J. McCarthy’s fate. They may say 'Hey we get three draft picks for J.J. McCarthy.' Maybe, let’s do it, assuming Sam plays really well in the playoffs. If he doesn’t, you’re obviously keeping J.J. and letting it play out that way.”

After discussing the draft options, the question surrounding a trade for Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy came up. McCarthy was a first-round draft pick in 2024 but suffered a torn ACL in training camp. Minnesota turned to Sam Darnold who surprised everyone by leading Minnesota to a 14-win season and a playoff spot. Mel Kiper said if he were in New York's front office, he would trade the third pick to Minnesota in exchange for McCarthy.

Q: If you’re the Giants would you give up #3 in the draft for J.J. McCarthy?

Mel Kiper: “Yes.”

That would be a bold move for New York to make but, it could be a valuable move to rebuild their offense.

Newest ESPN mock draft has Browns drafting Shedeur Sanders ahead of Giants

The idea of the New York Giants drafting quarterback Shedeur Sanders appeared to gain traction in the last month. Sanders had custom New York Giants-themed cleats in his locker before his final collegiate game at the Alamo Bowl.

The concerns surrounding Deshaun Watson's Achilles injury now have some believing the Cleveland Browns may take Sanders, just one pick ahead of New York. The newest mock draft by ESPN's Jordan Reid on Tuesday shows just that.

Besides Shedeur Sanders, Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is the only other QB expected to be drafted in the first round. The Tennessee Titans, who have the first overall pick, are likely to draft Ward. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who is a dual threat, is also likely a top-three pick.