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Shedeur Sanders experienced a striking drop in the NFL Draft on Thursday, making it one of the most notable slips for a top quarterback in recent years.
After being anticipated by some experts as the No. 1 pick this year, Sanders was not selected in the first round at all and remains without a team heading into day two.
The standout from the University of Colorado expressed surprise alongside his family over the events of Thursday night, as seen in a video shared by his brother, Deion Sanders Jr. Regardless, the quarterback is trying to maintain a positive outlook and is hopeful for a selection on Friday.
“None of us saw this coming, but I believe with God, anything is achievable. I don’t think this was without purpose. This whole ordeal just fuels my passion. Though we weren’t prepared for this outcome, we know greater things are ahead,” he remarked.
“Tomorrow’s our day. We’ll be happy no matter what. Legendary,” he added.
Shedeur Sanders at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Earlier in the day, the quarterback hinted he might not be a first-round pick. Just before the draft began, Sanders posted on social media, saying he was ready for whatever the day might bring.
“I’m prepared for whatever happens today,” he posted.
The day unfolded with a conspicuous fall for Sanders, which surprised both him and his father, Deion Sanders, who is a Hall of Famer and his college coach.
Deion had previously predicted in a Twitter post back in May 2024 that Shedeur would be a top-five draft pick. This statement was updated after Shedeur’s drop on Thursday.
While other quarterbacks were picked in the first round, Shedeur had to wait. The Tennessee Titans selected former Miami QB Cam Ward as the first overall pick, and the New York Giants moved back into the first round at No. 25 to choose Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss.
Add to that, several teams, such as the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers, which needed a quarterback, also overlooked Sanders.
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Head coach Deion Sanders converses with his son, Shedeur, before practice at Colorado’s NFL pro day on April 4, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
This was despite Sanders’ impressive college stats, having led the Big 12 with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, along with earning recognition as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Throughout his 50 college games, he amassed 14,347 passing yards, along with 134 touchdowns and 27 interceptions.
However, leading up to the draft, questions arose about his character and value.
An unnamed NFL coach mentioned to the NFL Network that Sanders had “the worst formal interview I’ve ever experienced.”
“He comes off as entitled, takes unnecessary sacks, struggles with timing, has poor body language, and often places blame on his teammates,” the coach stated. “But the biggest concern is he’s just not that good.”
Shedeur Sanders after an overtime win against Baylor on September 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Another executive from the AFC shared similar views, stating, “Our interview didn’t go well. He wants to control the narrative about what’s best for him. It makes you feel insignificant.”
These concerns ultimately affected Sanders’ draft position, pushing him to the second day at best.
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