Why Hasn’t Shedeur Sanders Been Drafted Yet? It’s Complicated
LAS VEGAS — Shedeur Sanders was once projected to be a top NFL Draft pick. Today, as the fourth round begins, he’s still waiting for his name to be called — and the reasons go much deeper than just his play on the field.
While it was no huge shock that Sanders didn’t go in the first round, his continued slide has become one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft. Five quarterbacks have already been taken — including Tyler Shough (Saints), Jalen Milroe (Seahawks), and Dillon Gabriel (Browns) — yet Sanders remains available, sparking plenty of debate across the league.
So why is he still on the board? Let’s break it down.
The On-Field Concerns
First, let’s be clear: Sanders is a good quarterback — but not perfect.
He’s known for his beautiful deep ball and has the touch and confidence of an NFL starter. However, scouts have concerns about his overall consistency. His arm strength and accuracy are considered good but not elite. Short throws can come out wobbly — something that was noticeable even at his pro day — and that’s a problem for teams that rely on sharp, quick passes. Plus, he’s not much of a threat on the ground, limiting his versatility.
These flaws explain why Sanders slipped out of the first round. But they don’t fully explain why he’s still waiting after more than 100 picks.
The Backup Quarterback Dilemma
In the NFL, backup quarterbacks are often the most beloved players by fans. Whenever the starter struggles, calls for the backup grow louder — and sometimes distracting.
Now imagine inserting Shedeur Sanders — son of NFL legend Deion Sanders — into that role. His name recognition alone would generate more headlines than most starters. He’d bring immediate pressure, not just to the starting quarterback but to the entire organization.
Sure, powerhouse teams like the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, and Bengals could handle that kind of attention. But most teams? Not so much.
If Sanders were drafted as a backup, every interception, every bad game from the starter would lead to endless “Should we start Shedeur?” debates. And frankly, many teams just aren’t built to handle that chaos — especially with younger or less established starters.
Off-the-Field Questions
It’s not just about football.
Sanders impressed some teams during interviews — but turned others off. There’s no clear consensus on his leadership skills or whether he’ll fully buy into a team-first culture.
Skipping practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl didn’t help his case either. While it may seem like a small thing, NFL teams take everything into account when trying to predict how a player will fit into a professional locker room.
Another concern? His transition to the NFL could be rocky. Colorado’s offense under Deion Sanders was simple compared to what he’ll face in the pros. Some teams are wondering: Is Shedeur more focused on building his brand than mastering an NFL playbook?
It’s a fair question — and it’s given decision-makers some real pause.
Limited Market for Quarterbacks
Even if Sanders were considered a “perfect” prospect, the reality is — there just aren’t many open quarterback jobs this year.
The Titans took Cam Ward No. 1 overall. The Giants grabbed Jaxson Dart to compete at No. 25. The Saints picked up Tyler Shough at No. 40 as Derek Carr’s backup. Elsewhere, rosters are either locked in or already crowded with developing talent.
Teams like the Steelers, Browns, and Colts might have unsettled QB rooms, but even they weren’t desperate enough to add another potential controversy into the mix.
For the rest of the league? They’ve moved on. They’ve filled their needs elsewhere and don’t see Sanders as a pressing addition.
So, What’s Next for Shedeur?
Typically, fourth-round picks are expected to make the roster, and they usually earn about $1 million in signing bonuses. After that, the money — and the security — drops off fast.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Sanders will hear his name today, or if he could — unbelievably — go undrafted. No team has officially removed him from their board, but the fact he’s still waiting tells you just how much uncertainty there is.
One thing is sure: whoever drafts Shedeur Sanders will be getting a talented player with plenty of upside — and just as many questions to answer.
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