The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is over, but Shedeur Sanders’ wait isn’t. The Colorado quarterback didn’t hear his name called on Night 1, and the list of teams needing a signal-caller has shrunk after the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants each got their guy.
Sanders is considered the best quarterback remaining. Let’s take a look at potential landing spots.
Best Potential Landing Spots for Shedeur Sanders
Sanders was considered QB2 in this year’s class, but the Giants traded up to select Jaxson Dart at No. 25. He performed well at Colorado’s Pro Day, but many teams and draft experts are split on how well Sanders will play in the NFL. This caused his stock to fall late in the pre-draft process, and he has yet to be selected.
His on-field production speaks for itself. Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading FBS with a 74.0% completion rate in 2024. However, there are concerns about his arm strength and average athleticism. Many pundits recognize his toughness and pinpoint accuracy, but aren’t sure his overall game will translate to the NFL.
Where could Sanders end up heading into Night 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns added Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco this offseason, but neither is considered a long-term option. Sanders makes sense if Cleveland wants to reset at quarterback. Given their significant cap constraints, a rookie QB could give the Browns a fresh start and a path toward rebuilding their team.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s time in Cleveland has been marred by below-average quarterback play, but he’s led the Browns to the playoffs twice. With Flacco and Pickett in the mix, Sanders likely wouldn’t have to start right away, and more time in Stefanski’s system would better prepare the Colorado product for when he wins the job.
Cleveland owns the first (No. 33) and fourth (No. 36) picks in the second round thanks to their trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Las Vegas Raiders
With a new part-owner in Tom Brady and head coach in Pete Carroll, the Las Vegas Raiders want to build an instant playoff contender. Bringing in Geno Smith off a career-best 4,320 passing yards — fourth in the league — while leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 10-7 finish gives Vegas a solid veteran for the job.
But if the Raiders are thinking long-term, finding Smith’s successor might be the smart move. Las Vegas picked up Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick and has the fifth pick (No. 37) in the second round. Pairing Sanders with the running back could be the start of long-term success for the Raiders.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford returns to the Los Angeles Rams after a weird beginning to the offseason. The team permitted him to find a trade, which would have netted the Rams over $45 million in dead money. Stafford has said he never wanted to leave Los Angeles, so the crisis was averted.
Buzz about the Rams’ interest in drafting Stafford’s successor gained steam in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, and Sanders could be that guy. Los Angeles is another potential landing spot where he wouldn’t have to start right away, and could take his time learning Sean McVay’s offense.
The Rams own the 46th pick after trading with the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Sanders visited the Pittsburgh Steelers during his pre-draft visits, and many reports had Pittsburgh at No. 21 as the furthest the quarterback would fall. However, the Steelers picked Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and Sanders continues to wait for his name to be called.
Pittsburgh is still in the market for a quarterback. Mason Rudolph was brought back in free agency, and Aaron Rodgers is still a possibility, but Sanders could be the long-term quarterback the Steelers have desperately needed.
The team doesn’t pick again until the third round at No. 83, so the likelihood of this happening is slim, but Sanders would walk into a stable organization if Pittsburgh selects him.
