The 2025 NFL Draft started off with some surprises, but none bigger than the lack of Shedeur Sanders’ name during the first round. With Sanders being one of the most productive QBs in college football, he sat back in Canton, Texas, while team after team bypassed him. New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers every team that required a quarterback chose to head in other directions.
New York Giants Pass on Sanders Twice
The Giants twice had the opportunity to pick up Sanders. With the No. 3 overall selection, they took a different position. Later, they traded with Houston to jump back in at No. 25. Rather than take Sanders, they took Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. The selection shocked many analysts who thought Sanders was the more polished and proven quarterback. TV cameras focused on the tense environment within the Sanders family, who had gathered expecting to celebrate.
College Resume Speaks for Itself
More than 50 college games, Sanders compiled a remarkable record. He completed for 14,347 yards with 134 touchdowns and only 27 interceptions. His 70.1% completion rate is a reflection of his accuracy and composure. On the ground, he contributed 17 rushing touchdowns. Sanders also finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting — an unequivocal demonstration of his distinction. Still, none of that was sufficient to make him a first-round draft pick.
Critics Question Arm Strength
Over the past few weeks, rumors throughout the league focused on his arm strength. Critics started wondering if Sanders possessed the deep-ball velocity required of the NFL. But his dad Colorado head coach and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders dismissed such rumors. “We’ve already won,” Deion said. “We came from a private school. We came from an HBCU. We’ve won.”
The Attention Factor: Blessing or Burden?
Shedeur Sanders has never been afraid to be in the limelight. He frequently comes with an entourage and built-in media following due to his celebrity father. Some thought this extra attention might have frightened off some franchises concerned with distractions. But Shedeur is not concerned. “I could have cameras and eyes wherever I go,” he once said. “The attention won’t faze me one bit.”
A Dignified Reaction to Disappointment
Unfazed by the Round One snub, Shedeur kept it real with dignity and class. Talking to a cameraman in a video shared last Thursday night, he uttered words, “We all didn’t expect this of course, but I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible. This didn’t happen for no reason. It’s fuel to the fire.” Instead of wallowing in misery, he remained steadfast in optimism and perspective, reassuring the world that his adventure had barely just started.
Second Round Underway with Cleveland Having the Pick
The second round of the draft gets underway Friday, with quarterback-starved Cleveland Browns possessing two of the first four picks. Everyone now looks to the Browns to determine whether they will make the move on Sanders. He might have dropped further than anticipated, but he still possesses great value and potential. If anything, teams now have an even greater reason to look at him: a highly talented, highly motivated quarterback with a chip on his shoulder.
Deion’s Message: “We’ve Already Won”
Deion Sanders’ support for his son has never wavered. He’s said from the start that Shedeur’s path is about more than draft position. “Shedeur’s getting drafted. He’s going in the first round. We’ve won, man. We’ve already won,” Deion said. The belief within the Sanders family remains strong .
Final Word:
Though Shedeur Sanders didn’t hear his name called on Day 1, his story isn’t finished yet. With elite numbers, a fierce competitor, and the backing of a football legend in his corner, Sanders is still one of the most interesting players available in the 2025 NFL Draft. Friday might be the day he earns the recognition he so rightly deserves — and whatever team selects him might be getting a bargain.
