In one of the vital surprising developments of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, as soon as projected as a top-five choose, stays undrafted after three rounds. The previous Jackson State and Colorado quarterback’s precipitous fall has sparked widespread debate, with figures starting from Stephen A. Smith to Robert Griffin III to U.S. President Donald Trump weighing in on the sudden slide of the one-time HBCU sign caller.
Sanders’ journey started at Jackson State, a Traditionally Black Faculty or College (HBCU), the place he proved to be an elite soccer expertise, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his freshman season. His efficiency not solely elevated the HBCU program again to SWAC championship standing, however he and his father, head coach Deion Sanders, additionally introduced nationwide consideration to HBCU soccer like by no means earlier than. Regardless of transferring to Colorado, Sanders’ roots at Jackson State stay a major a part of his narrative.
“HBCUs is certainly my basis. And I’m excited to be part of that class, be part of that group and that neighborhood of individuals,” Sanders mentioned in January 2025. “It’s positively a very grateful expertise, going there and experiencing that and understanding that’s my basis and going to a Energy 5 and experiencing all that additionally.”
“So we went, we modified the tradition at Jackson, introduced consideration to this system and we did the whole lot folks didn’t suppose we was in a position to do,” Sanders continued. “In order that’s why I do know I’m essentially the most assured threat you possibly can take.”
Draft Slide
Regardless of Shedeur’s confidence, NFL analysts have pointed to a number of elements contributing to his draft slide. Notably, his choice to skip the NFL Scouting Mix raised eyebrows. Moreover, reviews surfaced about underwhelming interviews with groups, with one longtime NFL assistant coach reportedly saying his time with Sanders was “the worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes pointless sacks, he by no means performs on time, he has horrible physique language, he blames teammates. … However the greatest factor is, he’s not that good.” Such characterizations, whether or not honest or not, appear to have impacted his draft inventory.
“I can’t consider a harder quarterback case examine, to try to come to a conclusion whether or not or not I consider he’s going to succeed to the extent he’ll get drafted,” a veteran NFL scout advised ESPN in an article titled The within story of Shedeur Sanders’ distinctive draft course of.
Comparatively, quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart have been chosen within the first spherical. Ward, chosen first general by the Tennessee Titans, boasted spectacular stats with over 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns in his closing school season. Dart, picked twenty fifth by the New York Giants, had a powerful exhibiting with 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns. Within the second spherical, the New Orleans Saints chosen Tyler Shough with the fortieth choose. The Seattle Seahawks chosen Jalen Milroe at No. 92 within the third spherical. Whereas Sanders’ numbers have been comparable, some underlying considerations are giving groups pause.
Remaining Constructive
After not being chosen within the first spherical on Thursday, Shedeur remained optimistic as he appeared ahead to nighttime two of the draft. “All of us didn’t count on this, after all,” he advised the gang at his draft celebration. “However I really feel like with God, something’s attainable — the whole lot’s attainable.
“I don’t really feel like this occurred for no cause. All that is after all gas to the hearth. “Below no circumstance — everyone knows this shouldn’t have occurred. However we perceive, we’re on to greater and higher issues…Tomorrow’s the day. We’re gonna be blissful regardless.”
The media frenzy surrounding Sanders’ draft standing intensified as Spherical 2 progressed into Spherical 3. Shedeur’s undrafted standing turned the central focus of ESPN’s NFL Draft protection and on social media. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith prompt that groups could be cautious of the potential media circus surrounding Sanders, provided that his father, Deion Sanders, is a high-profile presence in soccer.
Robert Griffin III defended Sanders, questioning why his background was getting used in opposition to him.
Regardless of the frustration, Shedeur Sanders stays optimistic, posting “Thanks GOD for EVERYTHING” on his X account on Friday evening. Because the draft progresses into its closing rounds. The soccer world watches carefully to see the place this proficient quarterback will land.
