Sport

Why This NFL Coach is Ready to Bet on Shedeur Sanders as a Top-3 Pick!

2025-04-23

Author: Ken Lee

As the New York Giants sit at the coveted No. 3 pick in this year's NFL Draft, a thrilling quarterback showdown is heating up. While many analysts speculate they might miss out on a golden opportunity, one coach is unwavering in his belief about a standout prospect—Shedeur Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders: From Top Of the Board to Draft Doubts

Shedeur Sanders' name has been a rollercoaster in mock drafts, once projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, only to slip out of the first round altogether. Currently ranked as CBS Sports’ No. 2 quarterback, he’s placed at No. 28 overall. So where should the Giants actually consider him in the 2025 NFL Draft?

A Coach's Strong Endorsement

Matt Rhule, a former NFL head coach and the current leader at the University of Nebraska, is adamant: if he had the reins in New York, he would draft Sanders at No. 3 in a heartbeat. His confidence in the Colorado quarterback is palpable.

"I would take him No. 3 overall. Without a question," Rhule emphatically told ESPN. His insight comes from firsthand experience, having faced Sanders on the field.

Stats That Make You Raise an Eyebrow

Sanders showcased his prowess in a recent matchup against Rhule's Cornhuskers, throwing for 393 yards and two touchdowns in a resounding 36-14 victory. Although Nebraska exacted some revenge in 2024, Sanders still managed a respectable 244 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Rhule noted Sanders' resilience, stating, "He took 12 hits against us. Twelve hits. There were seven sacks. He's accurate and smart—he reads defenses well. He can run when necessary, and he led two teams to victories that historically struggled."

Ready for the Big Apple?

Having been raised in the spotlight thanks to his father, NFL great Deion Sanders, Rhule believes Shedeur is well-equipped to handle the intense media pressure of New York.

"He’s the guy who can thrive in that environment. He’s been groomed for it since childhood—who better to follow in the footsteps of legends like Broadway Joe and Eli Manning?" he added.

Impressive College Stats But Concerns Loom

Last season, Sanders tossed an impressive 37 touchdowns against only 10 interceptions, completing 74% of his passes for a staggering 4,134 yards. Notably, he also holds the highest completion percentage in FBS history at 71.8%.

Yet, criticisms linger—some say he occasionally holds on to the ball too long and questions about his physical athleticism arise. Still, Rhule's endorsement challenges the doubters: wherever Sanders has gone, he's made his teams winners—and that’s a game-changer.