How Far Will Shedeur Sanders Draft Fall? Star Quarterback Left Undrafted in First Round Despite NFL Draft Hype

The 2025 NFL Draft has taken an unexpected turn, as highly anticipated quarterback Shedeur Sanders draft was not selected in the first round. Despite weeks of hype and speculation, the Colorado standout and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders slid out of Round 1, raising questions about his NFL readiness and draft strategy.

Only Two Quarterbacks Taken in Round 1 — Sanders Left Waiting

Just two quarterbacks were drafted in the first round on Thursday: Miami’s Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, while Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart was picked at No. 25 by the New York Giants. Several teams linked to Sanders, including the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers, opted for different directions. The Saints selected Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9, and the Steelers picked Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21 — both bypassing their perceived need at quarterback.

Speaking after the surprising slide, Sanders remained optimistic. In a video shared on Deion Sanders’ Instagram, Shedeur said,

“We all didn’t expect this of course but I feel like with God anything is possible, everything is possible. This is just fuel to the fire. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless. Legendary.”

Why Did Shedeur Sanders Slide in the NFL Draft?

Coming into the draft, mock projections varied widely. In March, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler predicted Sanders would be selected by the Steelers at No. 21 — a forecast echoed by outlets like ESPN and USA Today. However, Brugler’s final mock draft excluded Sanders from the first round entirely, citing rising doubts around his evaluation.

Brugler called Sanders a “wild card,” stating he “could go in the top six or fall out of the first round entirely — and neither outcome would be a shock.” Teams like the Giants, who held a private workout with Sanders earlier this month, were seen as serious contenders. However, New York took edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 and later grabbed Dart instead.

One major concern: Sanders skipped both the Shrine Bowl and NFL Combine, choosing not to compete and instead relying on college game tape. This decision, while bold, may have backfired. NFL scouts and analysts criticized his pre-draft approach, with many believing he missed critical opportunities to prove himself against top-tier talent.

According to The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner:

“His approach to this pre-draft process should be a lesson in what not to do for future quarterbacks. You cannot simply declare yourself something you aren’t and hope nobody checks you on it.”

Breaking Down Sanders’ College Career

Despite the draft slide, Shedeur Sanders boasts impressive collegiate numbers. He started all four seasons — two at Jackson State and two at Colorado — under his father’s coaching. He threw for 14,347 yards and 134 touchdowns in his college career, including a personal best 4,134 yards in 2024, with a 74% completion rate. That season, he played alongside his brother Shilo and 2024 Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Where Could Shedeur Sanders Be Drafted Now?

Heading into Day 2 of the NFL Draft, Sanders remains one of the top quarterbacks available. The Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 33 pick to start Round 2, are considered a potential landing spot. If they pass, other QB-needy teams — including the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets — could take a chance before pick No. 42.

While Sanders has undeniable talent, NFL evaluators are split. Baumgardner puts his ceiling at Bo Nix and his floor at Kenny Pickett — solid, but not game-changing.

“Despite all attempts to claim otherwise, NFL teams were not fooled,” he writes. “Sanders is closer to Dart than Ward on the draft board — and that’s exactly how it played out.”

Final Thoughts

The unexpected slide of Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft serves as a reminder that pre-draft hype doesn’t always match team evaluations. While his story is far from over, how he responds to this setback could define his future in the league. With Day 2 looming, all eyes remain on where this polarizing quarterback lands next.