Troy Renck: The Broncos are headed to Buffalo, but let’s talk about the Buffaloes. Although we have a few weeks before we dive into Denver’s prospects, the NFL draft order is official and can’t be discussed without discussing CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The top five picks belong to the Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots and Jaguars, with the latter two looking for new coaches. CU boss Deion Sanders has made it clear he will continue to provide corrections and guidance to his son and Hunter during this process. He has their best interests in mind, but how will that impact where they are taken? So, Sean, in two parts: Do you think Shedeur and Hunter will be in the top three picks? And will one or the other find their way to a favored destination?
Sean Keeler: They’ll both be gone before pick #4, my friend. I just can’t entirely convince myself that they are bound for Tennessee, who has the first pick, or Cleveland, who selects second. It’s a classic CU dilemma (CU-andary?): Coach Prime wants his son, or Hunter, to become #1. I’m not sure he’s particularly enamored with the idea of Shedeur in Nashville, though – or anyone in the family. land with the Brownies. The former had the Giants in mind for weeks, even to the point of showing off custom cleats emblazoned with the G-Men’s famous blue and red logo. Titans coach Brian Callahan is a good guy with a solid pedigree. Shedeur has what he needs. I’m just not sure Nashville has what the Sanders family needs as a marketing destination.
Renck: The Titans and Callahan, a former Broncos assistant, face an interesting decision. They need a grown-up at quarterback after Will Levis showed he knows more about mayonnaise than blitzing defense. But do they like Sanders enough to take him first? Projections already have them selecting Miami’s Cam Ward. A strong case could be made for taking Hunter as the best player available and pursuing a quarterback next season. Hunter, however, wants the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball. Would the Titans be okay with this? They would be stupid not to.
Keeler: Hunter is two Pro Bowl players for the price of one, the perfect gift for a franchise that needs everything. The Titans and Browns certainly fill that bill. But in a league of QB coaches, nothing moves the needle like landing the right QB1 does. Just ask the Broncos, who did it right with Bo Nix, on what, 12th down? the 13th? Callahan did wonders with Joe Burrow in Cincy. I’d bet he’s looking for his own Runway Joe, and Shedeur can already make the throws Burrow had to learn as an NFL rookie. The Titans take a QB at No. 1 — or trade that slot to a team Shedeur and the Sanders family want to play for and use that leverage to stockpile picks. It wouldn’t shock me if this whole thing took a few twists and turns with Eli Manning.
Renck: Of the top three teams, my guess is Sanders would prefer, in order, the Giants, Titans, and Browns. While the glory of being first overall is cool, the NFL is all about finding the right guy. Sanders’ best chance for success lies in New York with coach Brian Daboll — his job is safe — and wide receiver Malik Nabers, who already has a friendship with the former CU star. I can see Deion pulling the strings behind the scenes to keep Shedeur from going to the quarterback graveyard that is Cleveland. And I wouldn’t blame him. But let’s be fair. If Shedeur positions himself to join the Giants, he needs to show he can adapt to the NFL and operate without his father as coach. Very few quarterbacks have been sacked as many times as he was in college – we can all agree he holds the ball too long – and thrived at the next level. The Bears’ Caleb Williams has provided a “What Not to Do” model this season. The difficult part of this scenario? That means it could put Hunter in Cleveland as a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver. It’s what the Rolling Stones say: “I can’t always get what I want.” …. “
Keeler: But if you try sometimes, well, you might find…you get what you need. Coach Prime has always looked out for the best interests of his children. And no NFL father, if he has a vote, is going to let his QB son land in Cleveland. The Giants are the best fit for Shedeur, for all the reasons you cited – plus the market. While Hunter got the Heisman, if the game is to avoid starting your NFL along Lake Erie, No. 12 might end up getting the short end of the stick.
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