It’s hard to believe that after all the hype, his college accomplishments, and leading the nation in accuracy last season, Shedeur Sanders might not hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft tomorrow. Yet, many believe that’s a real possibility, with some projecting that teams may select him until the second round.
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His draft stock has taken a noticeable hit in recent months, largely due to a wave of negative reports from the NFL Combine that questioned his character, along with continued criticism from analysts throughout the pre-draft process.
Even Bobby Stroupe, the longtime trainer of Patrick Mahomes, doesn’t believe Sanders will go in the first round. He said,
“I don’t think Sanders is going to get drafted in the first round.”
When fans asked why he believed that would happen, Stroupe explained that his opinion was based on watching Shedeur play and listening to how he carries himself. While many fans agreed with his assessment, others pushed back, arguing that it doesn’t necessarily mean Shedeur won’t succeed in the NFL.
Tom Brady went in the 7th round.
— Sinners (@TerrillCharming) April 24, 2025
Some even pointed out that Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick, and, as one fan humorously noted, “even Jesus rose on the third day.”
Jesus Christ rose on the 3rd day
— Strictly Facts (@keepup2023) April 24, 2025
Tom Brady famously slipped to the 6th round, going 199th overall in the NFL Draft, despite coming out of a respected program at Michigan. While he was a solid college quarterback, he wasn’t exactly eye-popping on tape, and he certainly didn’t wow scouts with his physical traits.
Brady lacked standout athleticism and wasn’t considered a physical specimen by any means. In fact, he looked like someone who had barely stepped into a weight room, appearing lanky and underdeveloped. His arm strength was average at best — he didn’t generate much velocity on his throws, although his accuracy and ball security were never in question.
To make matters worse, he posted the slowest 40-yard dash time of his draft class, further cementing doubts about his athletic ceiling. What attracted the Pats to him was mental makeup and leadership skills, and the fact that he had some victories under his belt in Ann Arbor.
A few fans still believe Shedeur will be taken late in the first round, possibly by the Steelers. Others argued that if he’s still on the board by then, teams will likely trade up to grab him.
Another explained:
If Pittsburgh doesn’t take him at 21, another team may jump up at the end of the first round to get him otherwise I can see that happening.
— Rob Collins (@RobCollinsTV) April 23, 2025
Others wrote,
Nah I bet someone trades back into the first round if he’s still there late
— 27greenwood (@dj230i) April 23, 2025
However, Shedeur Sanders shouldn’t be too concerned, despite the growing perception that he might slip to the second round. He’s still very much a first-round talent. Several teams in this draft still need a quarterback, and there aren’t many better options than him on the board. Shedeur brings a strong set of tools and intangibles that could translate well to the NFL.
Let’s not forget—teams have taken far riskier prospects in the first round before. Not every franchise enters the draft with a closed mind or blindly follows reports and rumors circulating from other teams. The right organization will trust its own evaluation and recognize the upside Shedeur brings to the table.
Even if he goes into the second round, it’s not the end of the world. Drew Brees and Jalen Hurts both went in the second round, after all.
