In a shocking twist to one of the crucial anticipated storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft, former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not chosen within the first spherical Thursday evening.
The autumn out of the primary spherical defied months of hypothesis that had positioned him among the many high prospects.
Sanders, the son of Corridor of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the draft as certainly one of its most polarizing figures. Whereas some analysts projected him as a possible top-10 choose and even linked him to quarterback-needy groups such because the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers, none referred to as his identify within the opening spherical.
The Giants, who had performed a non-public exercise with Sanders and have been broadly rumored to have an interest at No. 3, as an alternative chosen Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. The Saints, one other attainable touchdown spot at No. 9, handed on Sanders in favor of Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.. Later, the Steelers—thought-about by many to be a powerful match—opted for Oregon defensive deal with Derrick Harmon at No. 21.
New York traded again into the primary spherical however chosen Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The slide was surprising given the latest historical past of NFL drafts, the place quarterbacks are sometimes chosen early, even when their résumés are thought-about incomplete or divisive.
That is going to be painted as a slide.
The truth on Shedeur Sanders is that it isn’t.
Most groups didn’t see him as a first-rounder. Lots of people didn’t wish to hear that. However it’s what it’s. Doesn’t imply he can’t succeed. He nonetheless can.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2025
Sanders’ draft inventory had been the topic of debate amongst league insiders, with some groups reportedly grading him as a second-round prospect.
Regardless of the frustration of not being a first-round choice, Sanders’ school credentials stay spectacular. Over 4 seasons—two at Jackson State and two at Colorado—he threw for greater than 14,000 yards and 134 touchdowns, demonstrating each sturdiness and manufacturing below the steerage of his father.
This message from Shedeur Sanders after going undrafted within the 1st spherical is precisely why he has the resolve, poise and maturity to guide an NFL Franchise. He didn’t conceal. He stood tall within the face of adversity and disappointment. This provides to his testimony.
🎥 @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/1tAoHCZpI1
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025
Sanders received SWAC Freshman of the 12 months, the Jerry Rice Award and SWAC Participant of the 12 months whereas at Jackson State.
Sanders is now anticipated to be one of many first names referred to as when the draft resumes with the second spherical, with groups just like the Cleveland Browns looming as a attainable vacation spot.
