Predicting Where Shedeur Sanders Will Land in the 2025 NFL Draft
By Jason Bolton April 21, 2025 11:15
The buzz around Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock has oscillated between “generational talent” and “polarizing prospect” all offseason. The Colorado quarterback, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024 while enduring a nation-high 42 sacks, is one of the most scrutinized players in the 2025 class. With the NFL Draft days away, projections for Sanders range from a top-five lock to a late-first-round gamble. Here’s how his résumé, risks, and team needs could shape his landing spot.
The Case for a Top-10 Pick
Most mock drafts slot Sanders between picks 3 and 10, with the New York Giants (No. 3), New Orleans Saints (No. 9), and Chicago Bears (No. 10) emerging as plausible destinations. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as QB1, praising his “resilience and accuracy on the move,” while Scouts Inc. highlights his “ability to throw receivers open under duress”. The Saints, in particular, have been frequently linked to Sanders due to Derek Carr’s uncertain health after a shoulder injury. “New Orleans needs a long-term answer, and Sanders’ pocket poise fits their play-action-heavy scheme,” noted NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
However, skepticism persists. Sanders’ 2.96-second average time to throw ranked 110th in the FBS, and his habit of holding the ball too long contributed to his alarming sack total. “He’ll need to speed up his processor against NFL pass rushes,” cautioned ESPN’s Matt Miller. Despite these concerns, his 6.5% off-target throw rate—third-best nationally—and ability to deliver under pressure keep him in the first-round conversation.
The Wild Cards
The Cleveland Browns (No. 2) and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 8 in some trade-up scenarios) loom as dark horses. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry has kept plans close to the vest, stating only that there are “a number of guys we like”. While Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter are frequently mocked to the Browns, Berry’s history of aggressive moves (see: Deshaun Watson trade) leaves the door open for a quarterback surprise.
Pittsburgh, picking later in the round, could trade up if Sanders slips past the top 10. “The Steelers’ QB room is a question mark, and Sanders’ toughness aligns with Mike Tomlin’s ethos,” one AFC scout told Bleacher Report. However, Pittsburgh’s reluctance to part with future draft capital might make this a long shot.
The Floor: Mid-to-Late First Round
If Sanders slides, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6) or Atlanta Falcons (No. 15) could pounce. The Raiders, in particular, lack a definitive franchise QB, and owner Mark Davis has shown a penchant for splashy picks. Meanwhile, the Falcons’ new regime might view Sanders as a developmental successor to Kirk Cousins.
CBS Sports’ consensus mock draft projects Sanders at No. 9 to New Orleans but acknowledges that “if he falls further, a team like Chicago at 10 might hesitate to pass on his upside”3. The Bears, however, appear committed to Caleb Williams and are more likely to target a tight end like Penn State’s Tyler Warren3.
Scouting Verdict: High-Reward Gamble
Scouts agree Sanders is the most pro-ready passer in the class, with Jordan Reid (ESPN) noting his “polished mechanics and fearlessness in critical moments” Yet his durability—99 sacks over two seasons—raises red flags. “You’re drafting a guy who’s taken a beating but still produced. That’s either a red flag or a testament to his toughness, depending who you ask,” an NFC executive told NFL.com.
Final Prediction
The Saints at No. 9 feel like the floor and ceiling for Sanders. New Orleans’ aging roster and Carr’s injury history make quarterback a priority, and Sanders’ ability to elevate talent around him (see: Travis Hunter’s breakout) aligns with their win-now mentality. If they pass, the Bears or Raiders could become players, but the smart money remains on the Saints.
As Kiper summarized: “Sanders has the arm talent and intangibles to go top 10. The question isn’t his skill—it’s whether teams trust their O-line to protect him”. In a quarterback-starved league, bet on someone taking that risk early.
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