With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, all eyes are glued to Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Once viewed as a potential top-three pick, Sanders now appears to be sliding down draft boards, while some analysts aren’t sure where he’ll land.
Could Shedeur Sanders Slide Down 2025 NFL Draft Boards?
Much of the conversation around Sanders has centered on the New York Giants, who hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft order. After signing quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, the Giants’ strategy could be shifting.
Still, not everyone is sold on the idea of letting Sanders fall. Analyst Colin Cowherd issued a strong warning to teams considering passing on the QB: “So he was swimming in mediocre teammates, and yet he was creating offense on his own. Running and moving — everybody tells me he can’t move, he’s not athletic. Well, I watched; he moved. I mean, he at least moved as well as like Bo Nix, who I think moves better than people give him credit for.”
Cowherd continued his praises for Sanders, highlighting why he thinks teams should take a chance on the Buffaloes quarterback.
“So, no support in college, didn’t win games, necessarily. Eli Manning wasn’t dominating in college football. Patrick Mahomes wasn’t winning games in college football. Josh Allen wasn’t winning games in college football. But they were creating offense out of thin air with very average teammates. That impresses me.
“I’m not saying he’s Allen or Mahomes, I’m saying I don’t look at wins and losses. That’s not what I look at. John Elway didn’t win a lot of games in college. You know, Trevor Lawrence won almost all his games; so did Tua [Tagovailoa].”
As Shedeur Sanders continues to fall down draft boards, @ColinCowherd warns teams they'll be making a mistake if the pass on the QB pic.twitter.com/VtcST6wy6Y
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 3, 2025
Sanders’ recent dip in mock drafts is confusing, especially when his stats paint a strong picture. He averaged over 300 passing yards per game, completed 74.0% of his passes, and threw for 37 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions last season. Considering the inconsistent play of his Colorado teammates, those numbers suggest NFL potential.
Why Is Sanders’ Draft Stock Falling?
Several concerns have led to Sanders’ projected slide. One major factor is his performance under pressure. Over two seasons at Colorado, Sanders was sacked 94 times, an eye-popping number. Some analysts say this raises red flags about his pocket presence and decision-making.
According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, one coach compared Sanders to NFL quarterback Mac Jones, saying, “Sure, he’s smooth and operates really well. But why is someone who operates so well, getting sacked so much?”
Sanders also declined to work out at pre-draft activities like the NFL Combine, meaning he would not showcase his skills alongside elite athletes.
If Sanders does fall, there are pros and cons. On the upside, he could land with a more stable franchise where there’s time to develop. The New Orleans Saints, who pick ninth overall and boast weapons like Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, could be a strong fit. That kind of support system might help Sanders thrive early in his career.
On the flip side, dropping means a smaller rookie contract and more pressure to prove he belongs. The slide could also weigh on Sanders mentally, especially given the expectations built around him. But he’s shown resilience before, and that mental toughness might matter more than ever now.