Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes‘ star quarterback, is a hot name as the 2025 NFL Draft nears, and a former NFL standout just made a big case for him. On April 11, ex-Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith joined Kay Adams on Up & Adams and didn’t hold back, urging the New York Giants to consider Sanders with their No. 3 overall pick. With the Giants desperate for a spark after a 3-14 season, Smith’s bold message about the 21-year-old signal-caller is stirring up draft fever ahead of April 24 in Green Bay.
Smith, a 2019 Pro Bowler, sees Sanders as a potential game-changer for New York. “Shedeur’s got that ‘it’ factor-poise, accuracy, leadership,” he said, praising the QB’s 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024. Sanders turned Colorado from a four-win team into a nine-win squad, a feat Smith thinks could translate to the Giants’ locker room. “He’s a culture-shifter, like he was in Boulder,” Smith added, noting Sanders’ knack for elevating programs, from Jackson State’s 11-2 run to the Buffaloes’ turnaround.
The Giants’ quarterback situation is shaky-Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are temporary fixes, and Daniel Jones’ era seems over. Sanders, with his FBS-record 71.8% career completion rate, could be the long-term answer. “You put him with Daboll, that’s a match,” Smith said, pointing to coach Brian Daboll’s success with mobile, accurate passers like Josh Allen. Sanders’ recent top-30 visit with the Steelers, which he called a “10/10,” shows he’s on radars, but Smith’s pushing New York to act fast.
Smith hypes Shedeur as Giants’ franchise QB
Other prospects like Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter tempt at No. 3, but Smith’s all-in on Sanders’ intangibles. “He’s been doubted before and always delivers,” he said, referencing Sanders’ rise despite critiques of his ball-patting habit or pocket presence. His Pro Day on April 8 wowed scouts with crisp throws, and at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, he’s got the frame to handle the NFL grind.
Sanders’ draft stock is polarizing-some see him as top-five, others late first-round-but Smith’s not buying the slide talk. “Kid’s a winner, period,” he insisted, nodding to Sanders’ $4.8 million NIL empire and cool-headed media vibe. With GM Joe Schoen under pressure, Smith’s take is a loud vote for Sanders to bring swagger and stability to a Giants franchise starving for both.
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