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When quarterback Shedeur Sanders was overlooked in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, disbelief rippled through the sports community. Although some anticipated this outcome, the sheer magnitude of his fall from expectation to reality left many in shock.
As the second day of the draft progressed, teams selected three quarterbacks before addressing Sanders. This unexpected sequence fueled widespread incredulity within the NFL community.
Sanders, a standout quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes and a Heisman Trophy finalist during the last college season, remains available as the draft heads into its third and final day. After 102 prospects were selected, attention turns to which team will eventually take a chance on Sanders as Round 4 kicks off.
Unprecedented Reaction to Draft Slide
The reactions to Sanders’ draft status highlight a broader conversation about player evaluations and narratives surrounding athletes. Many considered Sanders to be a guaranteed Day 2 selection, making his slide all the more astonishing.
Why is Sanders still available? This question lingers in the minds of fans and analysts. ESPN commentator Booger McFarland suggests the reasons extend beyond the on-field performance.
“It’s gotta be about more than football,” he stated during the NFL Draft coverage. “He’s the best pure passer available. When you see teams choosing developmental players like Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel ahead of him, it indicates there’s a deeper issue at play.”
Shocking Picks Cause Stir
On the night of Sanders’ unexpected slip, teams like the New Orleans Saints (Tyler Shough), Seattle Seahawks (Milroe), and Cleveland Browns (Gabriel) made selections. Gabriel’s pick, in particular, raised eyebrows, given that several pre-draft evaluations did not include him in the top quarterback rankings.
Mel Kiper Jr., a highly regarded NFL Draft analyst from ESPN, expressed his disappointment and concern regarding Sanders’ status. He consistently praised Sanders’ talent, ranking him among the highest prospects throughout the pre-draft process. Following the surprising developments, Kiper voiced his frustrations, saying, “I think it’s disgusting. I cannot comprehend what’s happening here. Someone has to clarify this situation.”
Narratives at Play in Player Evaluations
Joel Klatt, a prominent commentator and analyst who covered several Buffaloes games last season, also pointed out how damaging narratives can impact athletes’ draft prospects. He criticized the narratives formed during the pre-draft process and the impact this has on players.
“Shedeur represents a concerning trend in the NFL Draft,” Klatt remarked. “These narratives can be lazy and damaging. When anonymous sources leak information about a player, it can overshadow talent. I believe Sanders has the potential to succeed in the NFL, having performed remarkably at Colorado, transforming a struggling program.”
Time for Reflection Amidst Uncertainty
Klatt believes this moment may serve as an opportunity for Sanders to reflect. He emphasizes that it is not Sanders’ performance on the field causing his draft freefall.
Broader Responses to the Draft Situation
The discourse around Sanders has permeated beyond analysts. Even figures such as President Donald Trump have weighed in on the situation. Trump described the draft choices as perplexing, asserting that Deion Sanders, a former NFL star and Shedeur’s father, possesses a great understanding of the game.
“What is wrong with NFL owners? Are they STUPID? Deion Sanders was a fantastic player and is a skilled coach! Shedeur’s genetic legacy is one of greatness,” Trump wrote on social media.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith echoed similar sentiments, referring to the draft process as a “damn disgrace”. Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, expressed his surprise at Sanders’ continued availability.
In an effort to highlight Sanders’ talent, the Colorado football account on social media shared a compilation of his best plays, showcasing exactly why the football community is baffled by this turn of events.
A Waiting Game as NFL Draft Continues
As the final day of the draft unfolds, conversations regarding Shedeur Sanders intensify. Surrounded by family, including his father, Sanders forwarded a message of gratitude on social media: “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING.”
Looking ahead, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders remain potential suitors for Sanders. As the draft progresses, NFL teams continue to evaluate their quarterback needs. The football world eagerly anticipates to see if Sanders will finally be picked and where his future will lead him in the NFL.
