Heading toward the 2025 NFL Draft, a prominent talent evaluator shared insights on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He mentioned that Alabama’s Jalen Milroe could be the third quarterback selected, following Cam Ward from Miami and Jaxson Dart from Mississippi. This places Milroe as the third and Sanders as the fourth quarterback to be chosen.
As we approach the draft, Sanders’ future remains an intriguing story. Many teams are uncertain about where he will land on their draft boards. The current consensus is that Sanders may not be picked within the top three of the 2025 draft. This uncertainty leads to various possibilities, with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and the New Orleans Saints showing interest in him.
Here is an analysis of the potential landing spots for Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. New Orleans Saints (No. 9 overall pick) – Considering the rumors surrounding Derek Carr’s future in New Orleans, selecting Sanders at the ninth overall pick makes sense. With Carr’s potential departure in 2026, the Saints will need a successor. Sanders’ accuracy and the favorable playing conditions in domes and warm climates could make him a suitable fit for the team.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (21st overall pick) – The Steelers, lacking a second-round pick, have a pressing need for a quarterback. With the 21st overall selection, they could consider drafting Sanders to address this need.
As the draft approaches, the anticipation grows for Shedeur Sanders’ potential landing spot, with teams evaluating their quarterback options for the future.
To secure one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft or settle for mid-round prospects later, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be taking a long-term approach. While Aaron Rodgers is expected to be their starter in 2025, the team seems to be planning for a future beyond that year. A recent private visit with Sanders suggests they are considering him as a potential starting quarterback in 2026 and beyond. Should Rodgers excel in 2025 and delay Sanders’ debut, the Steelers will address that scenario when it arises.
Regarding Sanders’ draft status, opinions vary widely across NFL teams. The New York Giants, holding the third overall pick and possibly looking to trade into the first round, have shown interest in Sanders. However, rumors suggesting a sudden push from ownership for a Sanders workout are unfounded. The Giants have been closely monitoring Colorado football, possibly eyeing both Sanders and Travis Hunter for the upcoming draft. While Hunter might be their preference at No. 3, the Giants could consider trading up for Sanders if he falls in the draft.
In conclusion, the Steelers and Giants are strategizing for their quarterback futures, with potential moves dependent on how events unfold in the upcoming draft.
The quarterback depth chart suggests that either player could start for the Giants in 2026, potentially making Sanders a trade-up target towards the end of the first round. As for the Cleveland Browns, the team remains an interesting candidate for a quarterback, with Deshaun Watson likely not in their plans. The current options include veteran Joe Flacco and backup Kenny Pickett, with minimal financial investment, leaving room for a rookie quarterback to be considered in the draft. While Sanders’ arm strength may not be ideal for Cleveland’s conditions, his playing style could fit well with head coach Kevin Stefanski. However, sacrificing the No. 2 overall pick for him seems unlikely, making a trade-up scenario more plausible if Sanders falls in the draft. The Browns may also show interest in Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. As for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Geno Smith contract extension appears to be a short-term deal with flexibility for the team to explore other quarterback options after the 2025 season. While it’s unlikely that Las Vegas will select Sanders with the No. 6 overall pick, they could consider him if he falls in the draft. The unpredictable nature of picks between No. 15 and 75 overall could create opportunities for teams to make unexpected moves in the draft.
The Raiders have a unique advantage when it comes to evaluating players. Minority owner Tom Brady, who holds significant influence within the franchise, has a longstanding relationship with a prospect named Sanders dating back to his teenage years. Brady has played a pivotal role in Sanders’ development, setting the Raiders apart from other teams. While this connection is valuable, it may not justify using the No. 6 pick on a quarterback with limitations. However, if Sanders falls in the draft, the Raiders could consider taking a chance on him with Brady’s insight.
The Los Angeles Rams, holding the No. 26 overall pick, are in need of a future quarterback to succeed Matthew Stafford. Stafford’s recent decline in production due to health concerns indicates the need for a successor. With limited draft picks, the Rams must carefully evaluate quarterback prospects, including Sanders, who could benefit from learning under Stafford and coach Sean McVay.
The Arizona Cardinals (No. 16 overall) and Miami Dolphins (No. 13 overall) present intriguing but unpredictable scenarios for Sanders’ draft placement. Ownership influence could play a role, as seen in past surprising draft decisions. The Cardinals may be considering a successor to quarterback Kyler Murray, while the Dolphins may have concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability. Both teams could be looking to mitigate risk and secure their quarterback position for the future.
Acquiring Tagovailoa as a dependable backup with future potential provides the team with flexibility through the 2026 season, allowing for a possible release with a $34.8 million dead cap charge. While not a guaranteed outcome, the unforeseen nature of past moves in the league suggests that similar scenarios cannot be ruled out for the Cardinals and Dolphins.
