In a surprising twist to one of the most anticipated storylines of the 2025 NFL Draft, former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round Thursday night.
The fall out of the first round defied months of speculation that had placed him among the top prospects.
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the draft as one of its most polarizing figures. While some analysts projected him as a potential top-10 pick and even linked him to quarterback-needy teams such as the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers, none called his name in the opening round.
The Giants, who had conducted a private workout with Sanders and were widely rumored to be interested at No. 3, instead selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. The Saints, another possible landing spot at No. 9, passed on Sanders in favor of Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.. Later, the Steelers—considered by many to be a strong fit—opted for Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21.
New York traded back into the first round but selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.
The slide was unexpected given the recent history of NFL drafts, where quarterbacks are often selected early, even if their résumés are considered incomplete or divisive.
This is going to be painted as a slide.
The reality on Shedeur Sanders is that it isn’t.
Most teams didn’t see him as a first-rounder. A lot of people didn’t want to hear that. But it is what it is. Doesn’t mean he can’t succeed. He still can.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 25, 2025
Sanders’ draft stock had been the subject of debate among league insiders, with some teams reportedly grading him as a second-round prospect.
Despite the disappointment of not being a first-round selection, Sanders’ college credentials remain impressive. Over four seasons—two at Jackson State and two at Colorado—he threw for more than 14,000 yards and 134 touchdowns, demonstrating both durability and production under the guidance of his father.
This message from Shedeur Sanders after going undrafted in the 1st round is exactly why he has the resolve, poise and maturity to lead an NFL Franchise. He didn’t hide. He stood tall in the face of adversity and disappointment. This adds to his testimony.
🎥 @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/1tAoHCZpI1
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025
Sanders won SWAC Freshman of the Year, the Jerry Rice Award and SWAC Player of the Year while at Jackson State.
Sanders is now expected to be one of the first names called when the draft resumes with the second round, with teams like the Cleveland Browns looming as a possible destination.
