The 2025 NFL Draft class is widely believed to be short of top-tier quarterbacks. After six quarterbacks were taken in the opening 12 picks in 2024, only two are considered near-locks for first-round selections this year.
Colorado prospect Shedeur Sanders is one of those two, but he has divided opinion among analysts. However, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Laiatu Latu believes teams should have no doubts about drafting Sanders in April.
Shedeur Sanders To ‘Tear It Up’ in the NFL, Says Laiatu Lau
Speaking about Sanders on NFL Network, Latu gave a strong endorsement of the quarterback. Having faced Sanders while playing for UCLA, Latu is confident his former — and possibly future — opponent has what it takes.
“He’s gonna tear it up in the league,” said the Colts’ 2024 first-round pick.
And Latu’s words weren’t just hollow compliments for the cameras. The linebacker pointed to Sanders’ ability to escape pressure in the pocket as a key attribute that will help him succeed.
“He’s a great quarterback. I remember playing him, and his pocket presence and him just being able to be super dynamic in the pocket and, you know, make something happen out of nothing,” Latu said.
“He’s gonna tear it up in the league.”@laiatu_latu came away impressed with @ShedeurSanders after facing him in college. pic.twitter.com/4QYwvGbGmP
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork)
Latu isn’t the only one to note Sanders’ elusiveness as one of his greatest strengths. PFSN’s scouting profile on Sanders lists his pocket presence, great sense of timing, and ability to deal with taking hits among his top traits. That ability to take punishment without getting rattled has led ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to project a bright NFL future for Sanders.
.@MelKiperESPN ranks Shedeur Sanders over Cam Ward as a better NFL quarterback 👀
“He dealt with NFL conditions. … You can win big in the NFL going about your business like Shedeur Sanders does.” pic.twitter.com/qqY7cnhpAW
— First Take (@FirstTake)
Where Could Sanders Be Drafted?
The best players in the 2025 NFL Draft are arguably Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Sanders’ Colorado teammate, Travis Hunter. Regardless, positional needs will likely elevate Miami’s Cam Ward and Sanders while pushing one of Carter and Hunter down to the New England Patriots at No. 4.
Some mock drafts have Sanders falling outside the top five, but it seems unlikely he slips past the New York Giants at No. 3. The Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans are all in the market for a franchise quarterback.
With two starting-caliber veterans still available in free agency — Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, both top-75 options in PFSN’s Top 121 NFL Free Agent Rankings — the Titans’ lack of interest suggests they plan to draft their next starter in April.
Both the Giants and Browns have held visits with Russell Wilson, while the Giants are also believed to have offered a contract to Aaron Rodgers. What happens with those two veterans could shape Sanders’ draft fate.
If the Giants sign a veteran, they’re unlikely to take Sanders at No. 3. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen aren’t planning for the future — they’re likely one bad season away from being fired. If the Browns land Wilson, though, it wouldn’t rule out them drafting Sanders and letting him develop.
With all three of the first picks in play, Sanders’ future remains uncertain. But if Latu is right, whichever team takes him will have a star on its hands.
