Shedeur Sanders was originally projected to be one of the top picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. As the second-highest rated quarterback for most of the cycle, and with a few QB-needy teams at the top of the draft, it seemed a lock that Sanders would find himself selected in the top 10. Now, he is falling and could even drop out of the first round entirely. The three teams that were initially the favorites all passed on Sanders.
The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints all went elsewhere with their picks, and Sanders is looking more likely to drop out of the first round. If these teams don’t trade back into the first round, Sanders might be a second-round pick.
Shedeur Sanders Is Falling Fast in the 2025 NFL Draft
It’s getting late quite early for Sanders’ hopes to be a first-round pick. The Giants and Browns both selected defensive players, and the Saints picked an offensive lineman. Sanders is still falling and could continue to fall until either of these teams picks again.
Perhaps the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Sanders comes in as our QB2. There’s no disputing Sanders’ production or his pedigree. The debate comes within his projection. Just how good can Sanders be at the NFL level?
Sanders makes his money with accuracy, confidence, and composure, and his arm is more than good enough. But he’s not a high-level athlete or creator, and his arm isn’t quite elite. Sanders also has a tendency to drift in the pocket and play light on his feet, which can be harmful at times.
Sanders was very productive in college with 353 completions, 4,134 passing yards, and 37 touchdowns in 2024. He led Colorado to a bowl game after a tough season the year before, and led them to nine wins. Over his two-year career with Colorado, he tallied 64 touchdowns compared to only 13 interceptions. While his intangibles haven’t always been the most encouraging, it can’t be denied that he was able to put up great numbers.
The Steelers seemed like the most likely destination for Sanders. They don’t have a clear plan at quarterback yet, and as Sanders continues to fall, he becomes a more attractive pick at the value at which they could draft him. As someone who was once projected as a sure-fire top-10 pick, getting him at No. 21 would be a huge victory for the Steelers.
However, after they drafted Derrick Harmon, Sanders’ first-round hopes might be gone. The Giants and Browns could trade back up into the first round, but their interest in Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe may complicate whether Sanders is selected in the first round. Because of the way the top 10 shook out, Sanders is falling and could even, surprisingly, not hear his name called on night one of the 2025 NFL Draft.