Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock was one of the most anticipated storylines heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. But in the final weeks, that excitement turned into concern after his Colorado Pro Day performance, which exposed some red flags. Sanders fell from a projected No. 2 overall pick to a projected No. 21 selection — and that slide is already proving costly.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had the chance to take Sanders at No. 21 but passed. That move could push him into the early second round, and the financial implications are significant.
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stock Slide Is a $30 Million Loss
Had Sanders been drafted in the top five, as once projected, his rookie contract would’ve been worth substantially more. The difference between a top-five contract and a late first-round deal could be as much as $30 million, according to Darren Rovell.
After not getting taken at No. 21, Shedeur Sanders has now lost $30 million vs being taken No. 1.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell)
The further Sanders falls, the larger the gap becomes between what he could’ve earned and what he will. At one point, he was linked to the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 overall, but the Browns instead traded that pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who selected Sanders’ Colorado teammate Travis Hunter.
In another surprise, Jaxson Dart, a quarterback ranked below Sanders in most NFL mock drafts, was selected 25th overall by the New York Giants. The Giants traded up with the Houston Texans, sending picks No. 34, No. 99, and a 2026 third-rounder to get their guy.
That leaves Sanders still waiting for his name to be called — and anticipation is building.
Shedeur Sanders Scouting Report
There’s no question about Sanders’ production or pedigree. The debate centers on how he projects at the next level. His game is built on accuracy, confidence, and poise, which stem from his pre-snap recognition and processing. His arm talent is more than good enough, but not elite.
Sanders doesn’t bring much as a dynamic athlete or off-platform creator, and he can sometimes drift in the pocket or play too light on his feet — traits that could limit him at the next level.
A possible pro comparison for Sanders is Brock Purdy — the 2022 seventh-round pick who blossomed into a Pro Bowl quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers. Like Purdy, Sanders is undersized and not loaded with elite traits, but he has excellent accuracy, football IQ, and a gamer’s mentality. In the right system, he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL starter.
