The 2025 NFL Draft is drawing near, and one of the hottest debates is where quarterback Shedeur Sanders will land. Unlike the 2024 class, this year’s group isn’t stacked with obvious first-round quarterback talent. The consensus No. 1 is Cam Ward, expected to go first overall to the Tennessee Titans. But Sanders’ draft destination is far less clear.
While Sanders posted strong numbers at Colorado and showed high-level accuracy, some critics remain skeptical about his status as a first-round pick. Questions continue to swirl about his level of competition, arm strength, perceived “arrogance,” and the influence of his father, Deion Sanders. One analyst even compared him to one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in recent history — Johnny Manziel.
Former NFL QB Reveals Perfect Fit for Shedeur Sanders
Dan Orlovsky, who spent 12 years in the NFL as a backup quarterback and now works as an ESPN analyst, shared his thoughts on a recent episode of “First Take”.
He said he believes the New York Giants could be a possibility but doesn’t think the Cleveland Browns are a serious contender. His pick for the best landing spot? The Las Vegas Raiders.
“I’d say it’s the Las Vegas Raiders, even though they gave Geno Smith his new, recent two-year, $75 million extension now,” Orlovsky said. “I’ll tell you he needs to be in an offense similar to what Tua is like in Miami, or what Brock Purdy is like in San Francisco, or a little bit like what Joe Burrow is in Cincinnati — a point guard. Tua is my comp pick in many ways for Shedeur Sanders — great ball placement, rhythm and timing, super smart, anticipatory thrower.”
Orlovsky added that Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is another reason why Vegas makes sense.
“I like the fact that Las Vegas has Chip Kelly. He’s been around a ton of different places, a ton of different offenses schematically. If I had to pick one, it would be the Raiders for me.”
He went on to explain that there are only a few quarterbacks in the world so gifted that they can elevate any offense instantly, no matter the system. Sanders, he said, is not one of those guys — but he can thrive with the right scheme and structure.
The Raiders recently acquired Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension. That setup could give Sanders time to adjust to the NFL, learn behind a veteran, and gradually acclimate to the speed of the pro game.
Still, not everyone sees that match happening. In PFSN’s latest mock draft, the Raiders opt for running back Ashton Jeanty instead. Sanders, meanwhile, falls one spot later to the New York Jets at No. 7.
The Jets have officially moved on from Aaron Rodgers, who now appears to be tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With questions still lingering around Justin Fields, the Jets may need to plan for a future that includes another quarterback option.
Wherever Sanders lands, he’ll carry high expectations — and high scrutiny. His father may be confident that greatness is in his future, but only one team will be willing to bet big on that belief. The question is: which one?