As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight has turned to two standout quarterbacks: Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cam Ward from Miami. Despite a swirl of rumors about potential ranking shifts, insiders believe that Sanders will not slip down the draft order.
ESPN's Matt Miller reports that no one affiliated with an NFL team has indicated concerns about Sanders sliding too far, suggesting that the Pittsburgh Steelers, holding the 21st overall pick, might be his absolute floor. "Sanders has garnered attention for his exceptional performance at Colorado, throwing for 7,364 yards, with 64 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions over two seasons," Miller noted, expressing optimism about Sanders' prospects.
As for Ward, he’s gaining traction as the front-runner for the first overall pick, with many projecting that the Tennessee Titans are keen on making him their choice at pick No. 1. Field Yates of ESPN highlighted that while some sources view Ward as the clear top quarterback, Sanders is still considered a strong contender, capable of being selected anywhere within the top 10 picks.
Jordan Reid of ESPN even positioned Sanders' draft range between the 7th overall pick, currently held by the New York Jets, and the top three selections, depending on whether Ward goes first overall to the Titans. "If everything falls into place for Sanders, he could easily become a pivotal selection for a team in desperate need of a franchise quarterback," Reid stated. This scenario particularly applies to the New York Giants, who may feel inclined to choose Sanders if they cannot secure a trade for the top spot.
The Cleveland Browns have also expressed interest in Sanders, focusing on his football intelligence and mental game. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, "The Browns have shown enthusiasm for Sanders' processing speed and decision-making abilities, indicating he could be their preferred pick if they do not draft Ward first," a sentiment echoed by their scouting department.
Despite facing some skepticism regarding his attitude and interview performance—some interviews reportedly left evaluators with concerns over his confidence—Sanders remains a highly regarded prospect. NFL insider Josina Anderson relayed that one quarterbacks coach deemed him "brash" but highlighted the potential upside for a team that takes a chance on his talent.
However, with only Ward and Sanders projected to be solid first-round prospects among quarterbacks, several teams might prioritize early selections for their quarterback needs. The San Francisco 49ers and other teams with established quarterbacks are expected to look at roster depth early in the draft, ensuring that franchises in need of immediate, high-impact players don't miss out on coveted talent.
Outside of the quarterback discussion, draft analyst Mike Band's latest mock draft also identifies Travis Hunter, a versatile two-way player from Colorado, as a significant attractor for teams looking to revamp their rosters. The New York Jets are reportedly considering trading up to draft Hunter as they look to bolster both their receiving corps and defensive lineup with play-making talent. The potential for Hunter to reshape the draft is evident, as it would create ripple effects on the overall strategy leading into the event.
As the days count down to the Draft on April 24, both Sanders and Hunter are under the microscope of team executives, making for a fascinating build-up in the weeks ahead. Each decision made now could alter the draft landscape for years to come.
The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback class calls attention to the ongoing debate among franchises regarding the value of trading draft picks to secure star players versus building a long-term foundation through selected prospects.
