Could the Giants really draft both Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders in 2025? Mel Kiper Jr. believes so

The New York Giants are at a crossroads heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, holding the No. 3 overall pick and a roster in need of serious upgrades. While early speculation linked them to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at that spot, recent developments suggest a more intriguing possibility. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has floated a bold scenario in which the Giants could land not just one, but two of the most electrifying prospects in this year’s draft—Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders.During an evaluation of Field Yates' latest mock draft, Kiper broke down a fascinating blueprint for how the Giants could secure both Sanders and Hunter, despite the former’s declining draft stock. While Sanders was once considered a potential top-three pick, his standing has wavered, making it possible for the Giants to play their cards strategically. "I'm looking at maybe the best player on their board — it's best player on my board — is Travis Hunter," Kiper said. "He's there, you're picking three. Shedeur Sanders is five on my board. So you've got the No. 1 player, you pass on, take the No. 5 player just because he's a quarterback? Maybe not."Instead of reaching for Sanders at No. 3, Kiper proposed a scenario where the Giants use their high selection to secure Hunter, the dynamic two-way superstar who has dazzled as both a cornerback and wide receiver. Then, as Sanders potentially slides down the draft board, New York could trade back into the first round to grab him, effectively landing both top Colorado playmakers."How about this scenario?" Kiper continued. "You get Travis Hunter at three. Shedeur Sanders drops, you can trade back into the first round and get Shedeur Sanders. Then, you've got Hunter and Sanders if you're the Giants. That's a scenario possibly could take place. In Field's Mock Draft 4.0, he's got Shedeur at No. 3 to the Giants. I would have no problem with that."Executing such a move would require the Giants to part with significant draft capital. New York currently owns eight selections in this year’s draft, including two third-round picks (No. 65 and No. 99). However, with their next scheduled pick not arriving until No. 34 overall in the second round, they would need to maneuver aggressively to trade back into the first round for Sanders.The idea of landing both Hunter and Sanders is enticing for a franchise searching for a long-term identity. Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner, would immediately solidify the secondary and add an offensive wrinkle to the Giants’ scheme. Meanwhile, Sanders—despite his fluctuating stock—has shown flashes of brilliance, and a potential partnership with veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston could ease his transition to the NFL.Kiper also speculated on the possibility of Sanders falling further than expected, opening the door for other quarterback-needy teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I will say this. What if Shedeur Sanders is there for the Steelers? What if Shedeur Sanders gets down to 15 to 20, and the Giants passed on him for Travis Hunter? Do the Giants try to get back up and get both Colorado players — the quarterback and the great all-purpose, Travis Hunter? It's going to be really fun."Also Read: "I won’t even watch ’em": Eagles don’t even scout players with history of violence against women, Howie Roseman makes it clearWith the draft set to begin on April 24 in Green Bay, all eyes will be on the Giants’ war room. If general manager Joe Schoen can navigate the board as Kiper suggests, New York could emerge as one of the biggest winners of the offseason. While landing both Sanders and Hunter remains a long shot, the possibility alone has ignited speculation about what could be a franchise-defining draft for the Giants.