In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from the University of Colorado, has yet to hear his name called after the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 21 overall pick. This unexpected drop in his draft stock has left many fans and analysts questioning why a player once projected as a top-five selection is still waiting to be picked.
Widely regarded as the second-best quarterback in the draft behind Cam Ward, who went first overall to the Tennessee Titans, Sanders was expected to be a hot commodity among teams desperate for a franchise quarterback. However, the draft unfolded in a manner that left Sanders on the sidelines, as both the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints opted for other positions, selecting Abdul Carter and Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 3 and No. 9, respectively.
As the draft progressed, the Steelers, who were rumored to be considering Sanders at No. 21, ultimately chose defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead. This decision further compounded the uncertainty surrounding Sanders, who had previously been projected to land in the first round by various mock drafts.
Sanders' college career has been nothing short of impressive. Over his four years as a starter—two at Jackson State University and two at Colorado—he compiled a remarkable 134 touchdowns against 27 interceptions. His stats reflect his efficiency, boasting a 70.1% completion percentage across his collegiate tenure. In his final season at Colorado, he achieved a career-high 4,134 passing yards while completing 74% of his attempts, solidifying his reputation as a top prospect.
Despite his impressive stats, doubts about Sanders' readiness for the NFL have circulated since the NFL Combine. Anonymous NFL coaches and executives have raised concerns about the level of competition he faced, particularly during his time at Jackson State, where defenses were not as formidable as those in the NFL. Furthermore, Sanders' decision to decline throwing at the NFL Combine did not sit well with some scouts, although he later showcased his skills at Colorado's pro day.
Adding another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Sanders is the influence of his father, Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and current head coach at Colorado. While some view Shedeur as a product of his father's legacy, others argue that he has earned his place through hard work and dedication. The narrative surrounding his family ties has led to mixed perceptions, with some fans labeling him as a "nepo baby" while others defend his accomplishments as a testament to his talent.
Sanders himself has maintained a positive outlook amid the uncertainty. In a recent interview, he expressed his perspective on the draft process, stating, "Why would I be mad? You gotta understand, I think about it like this: These are good problems to have. You could be in a way worse situation." His resilience and determination to succeed, regardless of external pressures, have been commendable.
As the first round of the draft concluded, only two quarterbacks were selected in the top 25: Cam Ward at No. 1 and Jaxson Dart at No. 25. The New Orleans Saints opted for an offensive lineman, leaving Sanders in a precarious position as he awaits his future in the NFL.
While many expected Sanders to be among the first names called, the reality is that he may now have to wait until the second round or beyond to find a new team. His situation has sparked conversations about the unpredictability of the draft and the varying opinions on player evaluations.
Shedeur's journey has been anything but conventional, and as he continues to navigate the draft landscape, the question remains: which NFL team will ultimately take a chance on him? With several teams still in need of a quarterback, there's hope that his name will be called sooner rather than later.
For now, the football world watches closely as the draft unfolds, eager to see where the talented quarterback will land. As the clock ticks, one thing is clear: Shedeur Sanders' story is far from over, and his potential as an NFL quarterback will soon be put to the test.
