No team is in more desperate need of a starting quarterback than the Pittsburgh Steelers, so watching Shedeur Sanders fall into their laps would be a dream scenario.
Sanders might be the most hyped — and most polarizing — quarterback prospect in years. The Colorado standout enters the 2025 NFL Draft with an impressive highlight reel but faces questions about his leadership and arm strength. Where he lands remains a mystery.
Shedeur Sanders Falls to Pittsburgh at No. 21?
Could Sanders really slide to the end of the first round? FOX Sports’ Rob Rang presents the wild possibility of 20 teams passing on the 6’2″, 215-pound quarterback, allowing Pittsburgh to steal him at pick No. 21.
Stranger things have happened — maybe.
Rang wrote:
“While questions about Sanders’ leadership and true arm strength could make him a curious fit for some, I like the pairing with Mike Tomlin and an offense that just landed DK Metcalf. Despite what his critics might suggest, Sanders is this year’s most accurate quarterback, and he’s proven in a pro-style offense, starring this past season at Colorado under play-caller Pat Shurmur, a three-time NFL head coach.
“While Sanders is widely considered among this class’s top two quarterbacks, Louisville’s Tyler Shough is another intriguing pro-ready passer who would fit well for the Steelers.”
👀@RobRang's latest mock draft is here and it includes a trade for the No. 1 pick!
See the full mock draft here: https://t.co/m37nvEzaEO pic.twitter.com/KRgy46MpGw
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 19, 2025
It’s worth noting that Rang also predicted the New York Giants trading up from pick three to pick one to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward. In his scenario, the Tennessee Titans use the pick they acquired in that deal to select Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter at No. 3.
New York Giants Projected to Draft Shedeur Sanders
PFSN’s Marco Enriquez sees a different scenario playing out, predicting the Giants will stay at No. 3 and take Sanders. He credits Sanders’ pinpoint accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs.
“The New York Giants are running out of options at quarterback this offseason. If they miss out on the top available QBs, they’ll need to find an answer quickly,” Enriquez wrote.
“Sanders is the most accurate passer in this class and has the mobility to extend plays. While some question his arm strength, pairing him with Malik Nabers could ease those concerns early in his career.
“Sanders’ biggest hurdle will be handling pressure, as he tends to hold onto the ball too long and sometimes moves into pressure instead of away from it.”
The Giants remain in the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes, making the future Hall of Famer’s decision a major wild card.
REPORT: Free agent 4x #NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers could wait until after the draft to make his decision, per NFL Network.
Rodgers is reportedly in no hurry to make a decision.The #Giants and #Steelers are interested, and he likes the #Vikings.
THE WAIT CONTINUES. WOW. pic.twitter.com/M9iMnECOYF
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 18, 2025
Steelers Could Target Omarion Hampton at No. 21
Meanwhile, Enriquez makes a case for Pittsburgh selecting North Carolina star Omarion Hampton at pick 21. The 6’0″, 221-pound running back has been a dominant force, rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Over three years, he amassed 4,200 all-purpose yards and 40 total touchdowns in 38 college games.
Enriquez wrote:
“The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most active teams in 2025. They are the favorites to land Aaron Rodgers and added Metcalf, whom I like to call the original George Pickens. While other needs exist, Arthur Smith needs a reliable running back, and Omarion Hampton fits the mold.
Hampton is a playmaker. He averaged over 150 scrimmage yards per game over his last two seasons at North Carolina. His 6’0″, 221-pound frame makes him a three-down back, and he should immediately impact Pittsburgh’s offense.”