Mel Kiper is considered the pioneer of the mock-drafting practice. The original draftnik. Doubt he knew he was propelling an abomination unto the sports realm. Mock drafting and all its iterations divide fans, stakeholders, and players alike into two factions. With some overlapping in the middle, sort of like a Venn diagram. Firstly, there are those who consider it a futile activity disassociated with reality. Then, those who consider certain Draftnik’s projections gospel and etched in truth. Finally, those who have no strong opinions take them on board but with a pinch of salt. After looking at one expert’s latest mock of what April’s actual NFL Draft will look like, Shedeur Sanders will firmly fall into category 1.

Shedeur Sanders has been flirting with the NY Giants for a hot minute. He publicized linking up with WR1 Malik Nabers in the Big Apple before the Heisman ceremony. Then, he wore cleats clad in Giants colors at the Alamo Bowl. These are two of many suggestive instances. There’s been a quiet confidence exuded by his demeanor throughout the draft process that signals he’s headed to New York with the 3rd pick. Or higher if they trade up to grab him with reassurance. It’s never as linear as that, though. Twists aplenty from now until April, and ESPN’s Field Yates has just manifested one. Not only is Yates projecting the Giants to draft a different QB, but his colleague Kiper is urging them to.

The hurricane stemming from southern Florida transpired into nothing more than a passing breeze in the grand scheme of the 2024 CFB season. Miami’s missteps down the stretch had major repercussions. Losing 2 of their last 3 games meant the powers that be kept them out of the playoffs. Despite falling short of this checkpoint, the Canes faithful still witnessed an enthralling season. More so than they’ve been afforded over recent seasons. At the epicenter of pretty much everything good was their QB, Cam Ward. 

Cam ended his illustrious and long-drawn collegiate career with over 18k yards. The Heisman finalist has more than earned the right to tussle with Shedeur Sanders right atop Roger Goodell’s board. A lot of big boards have Cam Ward as QB1. Mel Kiper concurs that he’s the better prospect. In fact, he believes the Giants should and indeed will pick Cam if he’s available to them. Kiper broke down Field Yates’ mock on his show “First Draft”. Yates has two-way unicorn Travis Hunter going #1 and EDGE Abdul Carter going #2. Which leaves the Giants a straight toss-up between Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. Yates went for Cam, and Kiper gave it a proverbial thumbs-up.

“When you look at the Giants, yes. Cam Ward makes sense. The mobility, the legs, the athleticism… I’m with you,” said Mel Kiper. “I get it with the mobility of Ward over Shedeur Sanders. So yes. If he’s there, I would have to think Cam Ward is the pick with the New York Giants.” That’s rational. But what about Shedeur’s love affair with the Giants? Well, you’ve got to have contingency plans in all walks of life. More so if you’re a potential franchise quarterback entering the most crucial couple of months of your young life so far. Shedeur Sanders has a contingency plan, alright.

Shedeur Sanders predicted to wind up at NFL franchise he’s shown to be just as into

New York’s a big sports market. Probably the biggest in the country, if not 2nd behind LA. Being QB1 for the Giants is more than just a job. It carries a certain eminence. Look at Jalen Brunson. Warm up to the people of New York, and you can become an instant superstar. The Giants need a messiah figure to lift the franchise out of this recent slump. But so does another franchise. Situated in a market that may not be as big but is growing quicker than any in the country. One with the greatest quarterback ever calling the shots. Talk about an enticing backup if you’re Shedeur Sanders.

Field Yates projected Shedeur going to the Las Vegas Raiders with the 6th pick. If he’s been flirting with the Giants, he’s also been keeping the Raiders in his thoughts. Shedeur posted a video of the stadium to IG and called it “Legendary” during a recent trip to Sin City. Ever since their move from Oakland, the franchise has been yearning for their next “face of the franchise.” Maxx Crosby can only sell so many shirts as a D-lineman. Tom Brady, who mentored Shedeur in the past, has bought ownership of the team and will spearhead football operations. Ironic how Brady’s biggest strength as a passer is also Shedeur’s. The Raiders have reciprocated their interest in Shedeur at multiple junctures. They’ll just have to hope he falls to them at #6.

Both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward can rest on their laurels for the most part. There isn’t a shortage of suitors. But the franchise you’re drafted by is a line in the sand for your career trajectory. A stable environment conducive to your development is vital. Especially for a malleable QB with room for development and the weight of immense expectation. Wherever they land, Jaden Daniels has set the bar high for ROTY honors. Following on from him is not an envious task, as these two seek to hit the ground running