2025 NFL Draft: Will Shedeur Sanders Find a First-Round Home?

As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are on the fate of Shedeur Sanders, the talented Colorado quarterback. Early in his final college season, Sanders was anticipated to be the top pick among quarterbacks. However, Miami’s Cam Ward has since overtaken his spot, altering the initial predictions of his landing spots. It was once thought Sanders could be snapped up by the Cleveland Browns or the New York Giants with one of the top three picks. Yet, the Browns’ acquisition of veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett to stand in for Deshaun Watson, who is currently injured, changed the equation. Additionally, the Giants chose to bolster their ranks with seasoned players like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, while the New York Jets added Justin Fields to their roster. In a similar vein, the Las Vegas Raiders secured Geno Smith, reuniting him with coach Pete Carroll, effectively causing a shuffle in predictions for Sanders’s future.

With these shifts, attention has now turned to the potential of Shedeur Sanders being picked at No. 9 by the New Orleans Saints. Notably, the Saints haven’t picked a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, creating further intrigue about their next steps. Some speculate the Saints might instead focus on quarterbacks like Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart or Louisville’s Tyler Shough. Should the Saints pass on Sanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear as the next likely team at pick No. 21 with a quarterback need. If neither the Steelers nor any other team trades back into the first round, Sanders could very well remain undrafted after the first day of this crucial three-day event.

Discussing the potential outcomes, ESPN’s Adam Schefter remarked, “It’s uncertain if a team will trade into the teens for a quarterback right now.” He elaborated that if Sanders is still available by the time the Steelers make their choice, it could lead to a defining moment, possibly resulting in only one quarterback being selected that night. “Should the Steelers opt out of drafting Sanders, the motivation for Cleveland—who seems non-committal—or for “a Giants team beloved by its fans but possibly cautious about making aggressive moves— becomes questionable,” Schefter added. “What are the odds these teams push for a quarterback? It’s unlikely. Thus, if Sanders isn’t picked by 21, we might only see one quarterback secured tonight.” It’s worth noting that Sanders is not just any prospect; he carries the legacy of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado coach, Deion Sanders.