One of the most controversial and polarizing names in the NFL over the last decade is defending one of the more controversial moments in the 2025 NFL Draft. The fall of Shedeur Sanders down the draft has been nothing short of astounding, with an unprecedented drop landing him on Day 3.
Perhaps even more shocking than Sanders’ fall were the names taken ahead of him. Five quarterbacks, including Cam Ward, have already had their names called. It began with Tyler Shough out of Louisville at No. 40 to the New Orleans Saints, with fans immediately critical of the decision. However, one person came to Shough’s defense: Le’Veon Bell.
Le’Veon Bell Defends Saints QB Tyler Shough
Bell came into the league and, from year two, was ready to light the world on fire. Over a six-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he went on to earn three Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, before issues with the management led to a departure.
Since retirement, he has constantly been in league circles, with his presence on X a virtual constant. Over that time, he has become a somewhat polarizing figure for his takes and opinions. That was at the forefront once again after the Saints added Shough at No. 40.
One fan immediately posted a clip of Shough from the NFL Scouting Combine, where he had a very unorthodox motion into a curl pass that was way off from his intended receiver, captioning it, “This man was just drafted before Shedeur Sanders.”
This man was just drafted before Shedeur Sanders pic.twitter.com/KD7mu0ewc9
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) April 25, 2025
This is when Bell chimed in and defended Shough.
“it’s the principle, he at least threw at the combine,” Bell said.
This is a not-so-subtle shot at Sanders, who didn’t throw at the NFL Combine and instead showcased his talent at the Colorado Buffaloes’ Pro Day.
it’s the principle, he at least threw at the combine https://t.co/auIy2CPXQQ
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) April 26, 2025
Shough’s blunder at the NFL Combine clearly didn’t hurt him, as he still went before Sanders in the draft despite throwing for nearly 1,000 fewer passing yards and 14 fewer passing touchdowns last year. Add in the age gap — Shough is two years older — and the Saints’ decision is even more puzzling.
So, where will Sanders get picked? PFSN’s Day 3 mock draft predicts that the San Francisco 49ers will use the 160th overall pick in the fifth round to select Sanders.
However, Cummings isn’t prophesying a potential quarterback controversy with Brock Purdy in the Bay. Instead, he views Sanders as a depth piece.
“Sanders would be a quality QB3 who could succeed Mac Jones as the primary backup in 2027,” Cummings writes. “Kyle Shanahan is one coach who’d perhaps be able to temper Sanders’ personality and play him to his strengths within the scheme.”