The 2025 quarterback draft class is considered weak, and there’s no way around it. However, a few prospects still have the potential to be top draw, and Shedeur Sanders is one of them. After the 2024 CFB season, he was touted as the top pick. His stats backed up the hype. But now, his draft stock has plummeted.
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Shedeur began his college career at Jackson State University in 2021 and transferred to the University of Colorado when his father, Deion Sanders, took the helm. In his two years with the Buffaloes, he racked up 7364 yards, 72 combined touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His draft stock should be second to none.
However, after slipping down the board owing to the noise around him, there is uncertainty about where Shedeur will land. The draft projection says top 10 as of now. NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah has an inkling as to when Shedeur would be picked, backing his thoughts with sound logic.
The first team Jeremiah picked for Shedeur was the Las Vegas Raiders at six. The team has already quenched its QB thirst by acquiring Geno Smith from the Seahawks. But having a rookie to develop and learn under a veteran is always a good idea. Like Jordan Love or Patrick Mahomes, Shedeur can learn the ropes before taking over.
Jeremiah’s second pick for Shedeur was the New Orleans Saints, who currently have Derek Carr at the helm. But one could argue his hold on the starting job is slipping. The team also holds the ninth overall pick, where Shedeur should be available if his draft stock continues to plummet.
“The two teams that I like just in terms of stylistically, I like the Raiders at 6, and I like the Saints at 9… They both play indoors, which I love. [Shedeur] doesn’t have to have a huge, huge arm — it’s timing, it’s accuracy, it’s precision. You look at the Saints inside that division, who they are playing, where they are playing, I think that works,” said the pundit.
Jeremiah is spot on about New Orleans being a great fit for Shedeur. He’d face strong competition from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Atlanta Falcons are on the rise. But the Carolina Panthers are subpar and likely will be for a while.
In a few years, the Saints could be primed for a resurgence with the Colorado QB at the helm. But what should the Saints worry about if they decide to go for Shedeur?
Jeremiah described the quarterback as a “polarizing” prospect amongst NFL scouts. Despite acknowledging Sanders’ natural throwing ability and toughness, the insider highlighted concerns about his size, arm strength, and athleticism.
He compared Shedeur to All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott, suggesting that he would thrive in a system that offers strong protection. That will allow him to function effectively as a “point guard” on the field.
Jeremiah also remarked that opinions about Sanders vary widely across the league, signifying a lack of consensus on his potential at the professional level.
What are GMs thinking of Shedeur?
Beyond physical attributes, some NFL teams have expressed reservations about the external factors associated with Shedeur’s high-profile background.
NFL insider James Palmer reported that a general manager from a quarterback-needy team indicated that organizations are considering the overall impact of bringing Sanders into their franchise, beyond his on-field skills. What do they mean by that?
Well, taking on Shedeur means bringing in the looming influence of Coach Prime and accompanying media attention. Furthermore, the GM apparently emphasized the need for teams to be comfortable with “everything that’s around him on top of the player”.
While Shedeur’s college achievements have solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback prospect, differing opinions among NFL scouts and general managers may have a huge influence on his position in the upcoming draft.
