The 2025 NFL Draft class might not contain the strongest quarterback prospects in recent memory, but it has created some interesting conversations. Most analysts believe that Miami’s Cam Ward is the best of the group. He’s predicted to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans in most mocks.
However, Shedeur Sanders is stating his case for the top spot. And it’s not a big surprise that Sanders is a polarizing figure considering that his father, Deion Sanders, is still making waves. Depending on which mock draft you read or which analyst you listen to, Sanders is anywhere from the first player off the board to somewhere in the second or third round.
Shedeur Sanders Has a New Defender After His
Controversial Colorado Pro Day
It has become common for players, particularly quarterbacks, to decline to participate in the NFL Combine. That is precisely what Sanders and his college teammate, Travis Hunter, did leading up to the draft. Instead, the two standouts took their combined talents to Colorado Pro Day on April 4.
Predictably, Sanders’ performance just created more controversy. From “Coach Prime” telling his players not to listen to the NFL scouts, to unsolicited advice being given on social media, it created a lot of extra media fodder.
Football analyst Emory Hunt from CBS Sports told the Ross Tucker Podcast that he keeps receipts. He cannot wait to make everyone eat their words about Sanders when he is a massive success in the NFL.
Hunt said: “So when it’s Week 6 and Shedeur’s leading in Rookie of the Year voting, and whatever team he’s on is like 5-1, don’t get mad at me when I poke fun at you in my hilarious, sarcastic way because you did this to yourself.
“So, I don’t have to say anything now.”
“When it’s Week 6 and Shedeur is leading Rookie of the Year voting and whatever team he’s on is like 5-1, don’t get mad at me when I poke fun at you.”@FBallGamePlan on the concern around Shedeur Sanders after his pro day: pic.twitter.com/jnkhC99ssT
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 7, 2025
Best Player Available vs. Best Quarterback Available
The 2024 NFL Draft saw six quarterbacks selected in the first round, but the 2025 class isn’t expected to have that many … that is, if you believe the prognosticators. And it’s okay not to. Quarterbacks are always in high demand, and teams are often willing to take chances.
In 2022, multiple teams reached for quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis, who went higher than they would have in other years. If you lined Ward and Sanders up against the quarterbacks in 2024, one former NFL quarterback has Ward going second only to Jayden Daniels. However, he has Sanders going after Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix, with only J.J. McCarthy behind him.
While many mock drafts have Ward and Sanders selected within the first few picks, quite a few analysts feel better talent is available. The best quarterbacks available in this year’s draft are not considered the “best player available” at any of those early selections.
Meanwhile, numerous players are considered to be better picks, including CB/WR Travis Hunter, DE Abdul Carter, RB Ashton Jeanty, and DT Mason Graham. It seems Ward has locked himself in as the first overall pick. Sanders’ fate remains up in the air.