In one of the crucial stunning 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 surprising 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 big 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 stated in January 2025. “It’s undoubtedly 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 every thing individuals didn’t suppose we was in a position to do,” Sanders continued. “In order that’s why I do know I’m probably 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 resolution to skip the NFL Scouting Mix raised eyebrows. Moreover, experiences 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 truthful or not, appear to have impacted his draft inventory.
“I can’t consider a harder quarterback case examine, to attempt to come to a conclusion whether or not or not I imagine he’s going to succeed to the extent he’ll get drafted,” a veteran NFL scout instructed ESPN in an article titled The within story of Shedeur Sanders’ distinctive draft course of.
Comparatively, quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart had 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 remaining school season. Dart, picked twenty fifth by the New York Giants, had a robust displaying 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 had been comparable, some underlying considerations are giving groups pause.
Remaining Optimistic
After not being chosen within the first spherical on Thursday, Shedeur remained optimistic as he regarded ahead to nighttime two of the draft. “All of us didn’t anticipate this, after all,” he instructed the group at his draft celebration. “However I really feel like with God, something’s potential — every thing’s potential.
“I don’t really feel like this occurred for no motive. All that is after all gasoline to the fireplace. “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 completely happy 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 advised that groups may 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 night time. Because the draft progresses into its remaining rounds. The soccer world watches carefully to see the place this gifted quarterback will land.
