In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from Colorado, found himself still on the board after the first round concluded on April 24, 2025. Despite significant buzz leading up to the draft, including speculation that he might be picked as high as third overall, Sanders went unselected as teams opted for other quarterback prospects.
The New York Giants notably passed on Sanders not once, but twice, including with their coveted No. 3 pick. Instead, they traded up to the 25th pick and selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6), New York Jets (No. 7), New Orleans Saints (No. 9), and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21) also chose to go in different directions, leaving Sanders waiting for his name to be called.
With the first round wrapped up, the question on everyone's mind is: how far will Sanders drop? The Cleveland Browns, who hold the first pick in the second round, are expected to be among the teams considering him. They have two picks within the first four of the second round, and their interest in a quarterback could lead to a potential selection of Sanders.
“We all didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible,” Sanders said in a video posted on YouTube shortly after the draft. “I don’t think this happened for no reason. All this is, is of course fuel to the fire. Under no circumstance, we all know this shouldn’t have happened, but we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”
Despite the disappointment of not being selected in the first round, Sanders remains optimistic. He has been one of the most scrutinized players leading up to the draft, with his stock fluctuating significantly. Concerns about his arm strength and performance during interviews were echoed by various analysts and insiders. An anonymous NFL coach described his interview as "the worst formal interview I've ever been in in my life," raising questions about his readiness for the professional level.
In his collegiate career, Sanders amassed impressive statistics over 50 games, throwing for 14,347 yards with 134 touchdowns and just 27 interceptions. His completion percentage stood at an impressive 70.1%, and he added 17 rushing touchdowns to his resume. Despite these accomplishments, the doubts lingered, particularly as he was expected to be a top pick.
Former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, who was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, further highlighted the mixed fortunes of the Colorado program in this draft. Hunter’s success contrasts sharply with Sanders’ unexpected fall, prompting discussions about the evaluations made by NFL teams.
As the draft unfolded, analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. expressed their disbelief at Sanders still being available. Kiper noted that after the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, Sanders was the top player left on the board. “I’m amazed he’s still on the board right now,” Kiper remarked after the 19th pick.
The implications of Sanders falling to the second round are significant. A team that drafts him will miss out on the fifth-year option for his rookie contract, a valuable asset for any franchise looking to secure a potential franchise quarterback. This situation mirrors the case of Lamar Jackson, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 32 overall, allowing them to negotiate a longer contract.
As the second round approaches, teams like the Browns, who have the first pick, and others such as the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, will be weighing their options. The Titans selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, and the Texans have C.J. Stroud, making them unlikely candidates for Sanders. However, if Cleveland passes, teams like the Raiders, Saints, and Jets could be waiting to scoop him up.
Sanders’ journey from a top prospect to potentially being the third quarterback taken in the draft is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the NFL Draft. The anticipation surrounding his name being called continues to build as fans and analysts alike speculate on where he might land.
With the second round set to begin, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders, whose fall from grace has sparked debate about the decision-making processes of NFL teams. Will he find a home on Day 2 of the draft? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the saga of Shedeur Sanders is far from over.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the second round, the tension is palpable. Will the Browns take a chance on Sanders, or will he continue to slide? Fans are anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the story of this talented quarterback.
