Insights

On April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Shedeur Sanders, a former quarterback at Colorado, did not get selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, despite being projected as a high pick earlier in the process. Initially, Sanders was viewed as a potential candidate for the top overall choice, largely owing to his impressive performance in college, where he threw for over 14,000 yards and numerous touchdowns. However, as the draft approached, concerns about his arm strength and interview performance began to surface, leading to his decline in presumed value. With significant quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers passing on him during their draft selections, it became evident that Sanders was facing an uphill battle. None of the teams opted to trade back into the first round to acquire him, which hinted at a collective skepticism regarding his capabilities as a franchise quarterback. Throughout the draft, high-profile players, including Cam Ward, were chosen over Sanders, which added to the momentum of his unexpected slide. By the time the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the clock with the 21st pick, many had speculated whether they would take Sanders, especially given their quarterback struggles. Instead, the Steelers opted for defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, further illustrating the doubts surrounding Sanders as a top prospect. Additionally, the New York Giants, who traded up to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, also passed on Sanders, a decision that set the tone for the rest of the first round as quarterbacks continued to go off the board without Sanders being mentioned. The aftermath of this decision left observers startled, as Sanders had been seen as a likely top-10 pick leading up to the draft. The fallout from this choice might have significant implications for Sanders' football career, as the drafted quarterbacks may have successfully placed themselves in better positions to secure starting roles in the immediate future. Sanders himself expressed confidence before the draft, suggesting he was prepared for whatever challenges might arise. However, doubts raised by NFL coaches regarding his interview quality and perceived entitlement certainly contributed to teams hesitating to invest in him during the early selections. As the second round approaches, analysts speculate about which team might take a chance on Sanders now that he has fallen out of the first round. With the Cleveland Browns holding the first pick of the second round, the possibility exists that they could consider him, but his draft-day slide remains a poignant reminder of how swiftly perceptions can change in the NFL landscape. The mixed opinions on Sanders' abilities, coupled with his substantial collegiate achievements, raise questions about how he will be evaluated moving forward, especially in regard to aligning with a franchise that recognizes and aims to harness his talent effectively.