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NFL Coach Sidestepped Notable Question About Shedeur Sanders

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 11:26 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders waited until Saturday to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. The New York Giants were one of the most notable teams to pass.

Few were surprised when the Giants took Abdul Carter over Sanders with the No. 3 pick. However, they traded back into the first round later on Thursday night. With the No. 25 pick, they selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Before the draft, Todd McShay claimed Sanders had some support from Giants personnel. However, head coach Brian Daboll and his staff felt differently.

Later in the week, McShay said Sanders was "not in play" for the Giants because of a poor pre-draft interview. The longtime draft analyst claimed teams felt Sanders "didn't care" what they thought about him.

"Shedeur didn't have a great interview with Brian Daboll in a private visit," McShay said. "An install package came in. Preparation wasn’t there for it. [Sanders] got called out on it. Didn't like that. Brian didn’t appreciate him not liking it."

With Sanders still on the board, Daboll was asked about McShay's report during Friday night's press conference with general manager Joe Schoen.

"I'd say we had good meetings with all the guys that came in here on 30 visits," Daboll said. "Quarterback meetings were productive, and we're happy with Jaxson."

Many draft boards had Sanders ranked second among quarterbacks behind Cam Ward, who went No. 1 overall. However, five went off the board before the Cleveland Browns made Sanders the 144th pick.

Sanders once appeared to envision the Giants as a likely landing spot. At the end of 2024, he wore Giants-themed custom cleats ahead of an Alamo Bowl loss to BYU.

At the time, New York was positioned to receive the No. 1 pick before a Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

"We know where we're going, baby," Sanders said during an Alamo Bowl practice. "You'll see them in the cleats later on this week."

Regardless of the reasoning, the Giants opted to take Dart instead. Cleveland, who picked Dillon Gabriel in the third round, finally ended Sanders' slide in the fifth.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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