New York, NY – April 18, 2025
Forget just GMs and scouts — according to a shocking new report, up to 14 NFL owners are getting their hands dirty when it comes to the NFL Draft process.
In a recent episode of Scoop City, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini revealed she spoke with a current head coach who estimated that 13 to 14 team owners are “heavily” involved in draft decisions.
“They’re not screaming, ‘Pick Shedeur Sanders now!’” Russini said,
“But make no mistake — they’re in the room. They’re part of the call.”
👀 What Does “Heavily Involved” Even Mean?
Russini explained that some owners attend pre-draft meetings, sit silently with folded arms — and still send a loud message.
Others go further:
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Suggesting specific players
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Approving top picks
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And yes, sometimes vetoing GM decisions outright
“There are GMs who can’t make that call without ownership sign-off,” Russini added.
💣 Giants in the Spotlight
The report dropped just as rumors swirl around the New York Giants and the No. 3 pick. Private workouts with Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe, and others have some insiders whispering about a power struggle in the building.
“You don’t watch this many QBs this late unless there’s internal split,” Russini said.
ESPN’s Todd McShay doubled down on this on the Ryen Russillo Podcast, saying:
“People are pushing hard for Shedeur. Ownership may be stepping in.”
🧩 FanHub Final Take
NFL fans often imagine the war room as a place of pure scouting and strategy.
But the truth?
Sometimes it’s the billionaire in the corner — not the scout with the laptop — making the biggest call.
So the next time your team passes on a star or reaches for a name you didn’t expect?
Maybe it wasn’t the GM at all.
Maybe it was the suit upstairs.
#NFLDraft #OwnersInTheRoom #WarRoomPolitics #ShedeurDebate #FanHubBreakdown 🧠🏈💼
