Introduction
The 2025 NFL Draft has delivered its fair share of surprises, but none more shocking than Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall. Once projected as a top-five pick and even a favorite to go number one, Sanders has astonishingly slipped through three rounds without being selected. As all 32 teams repeatedly passed on the former Colorado quarterback, fans and analysts were left wondering: what happened? Here’s a closer look at the key reasons behind Sanders’ historic draft slide.
1. Changing Perceptions in the Final Days
Leading into the draft, Shedeur Sanders’ stock began to fall sharply. Despite boasting the best pass completion rate in college football last season (74.0%), last-minute concerns about his adaptability and leadership style raised doubts among scouts. Analysts who once projected him as a top pick warned he might slide into the second round — but few predicted this dramatic tumble.
2. Teams Filling Quarterback Needs Early
Several quarterback-needy teams, including the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants, addressed the position early by selecting other prospects like Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart. With fewer desperate suitors remaining, Sanders’ chances narrowed dramatically as the draft progressed.
3. Emergence of Alternative QB Prospects
Quarterbacks like Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel surged up draft boards on day two. Teams like Cleveland, New Orleans, and Seattle chose to gamble on these less-heralded prospects instead of Sanders, suggesting that concerns about Sanders were widespread across the league.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mixed Signals
The Pittsburgh Steelers met with Sanders during the pre-draft process, and many believed he could land there. However, with the Steelers also engaging with veteran free agent Aaron Rodgers, their plans seemed to shift. Team owner Art Rooney II hinted they might still draft a quarterback — but not necessarily one who would start immediately, further clouding Sanders’ prospects.
5. Broader Draft Strategy Shifts
The 2025 NFL Draft has shown a shift toward prioritizing defensive players and skill position depth early, leaving quarterbacks like Sanders in limbo. With backup roles or development projects now his likely path, teams appear wary of investing high picks into quarterbacks who aren’t immediate starters.
Conclusion
Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic slide has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to Aaron Rodgers’ humbling wait in 2005 — but on an even larger scale. With rounds four to seven still to come, Sanders remains available, and whoever finally picks him up may find themselves with a major steal. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 NFL Draft and check out all the first-round results here.
