NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders Still Waiting After QB-Needy Teams Pass/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the NFL Draft’s first round. Several quarterback-needy teams passed on the Colorado star. Sanders remains optimistic and awaits his name on Day 2.
NFL Draft Quick Looks: Shedeur Sanders Slides Past First Round
- Draft Surprise: Despite QB demand, Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round.
- Teams That Passed: Giants, Raiders, Jets, Saints, and Steelers all skipped Sanders.
- Second Round Ahead: Cleveland holds two early second-round picks and could be a landing spot.
- Giants Choose Dart: New York trades up and takes Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart over Sanders.
- Sanders Reacts: Calls it “fuel to the fire” and remains confident about Day 2.
- Stats Speak Volumes: Over 14,000 passing yards, 134 TDs, and 70% completion rate in college.
- Coach Prime’s Take: Deion Sanders says, “We’ve already won.”
NFL Draft 2025: Shedeur Sanders Slides Out of First Round, Eyes Second-Day Redemption
Deep Looks
April 25, 2025 | Quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains on the NFL Draft board after being passed over in the first round Thursday night, in a surprise twist that stunned fans and draft analysts alike. Despite impressive collegiate credentials and widespread speculation he’d land in the opening round, Sanders watched from his draft party in Canton, Texas, as quarterback-needy teams went in other directions.
“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders said in a YouTube video late Thursday. “But with God, anything’s possible… All this is fuel to the fire.”
Teams Pass on Sanders
Several franchises that appeared to need a quarterback—including the New York Giants (No. 3 and 25), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6), New York Jets (No. 7), New Orleans Saints (No. 9), and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 21)—opted for other positions or quarterbacks.
Most notably, the Giants traded up to No. 25 and picked Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, leaving Sanders without a team after Day 1.
A High-Profile Prospect
Sanders, who played under his father Deion Sanders at Colorado, had an exceptional collegiate career. In 50 games, he threw for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and only 27 interceptions while completing 70.1% of his passes. He also rushed for 17 scores.
Despite questions about his arm strength, many analysts still considered him a solid first-round talent. His draft-night slide, however, echoed past draft-day drama and sent ripples through the sports world.
Confidence Unshaken
While he didn’t hear his name called Thursday, Sanders remained upbeat, telling supporters he believes everything happens for a reason.
“Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless,” he said. “I don’t really care about anybody’s opinion but those around us who matter.”
What’s Next
With the Cleveland Browns holding two of the first four picks in Round 2, Sanders could soon find a home. A team could also trade up for him now that he’s seen as a potential second-round steal.
Deion Sanders: “We’ve Already Won”
Coach Prime wasn’t fazed by his son’s slide.
“We came from a private school. We came from an HBCU. We’ve won,” said Deion. “He’s going to get drafted. That’s the win.”
Draft Day Drama
Sanders was one of the most marketable and followed players in college football. His mix of athletic talent, media savvy, and calm under pressure made him a strong brand fit for many franchises—especially in larger markets.
Still, he insisted:
“I could bring cameras and eyes anywhere I go.”
That confidence now shifts to Day 2, where Sanders will likely be one of the top stories to watch.
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