Despite being considered a potential first-round pick, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has yet to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft after three rounds and 102 total picks. Five other quarterbacks were chosen ahead of Sanders, a surprising development given his high profile and strong college performance.
Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was one of the most talked-about prospects entering the draft. He gained national attention for his play and for being part of his father’s high-energy transformation of both Jackson State and Colorado football programs. Last season, he finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Still, NFL teams passed him over in the first three rounds. Quarterbacks such as Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel—all generally ranked lower in pre-draft projections—were selected before him.
During the third round, Sanders posted: “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING.”
Falling out of the first round will cost Sanders millions. If he had been picked, for instance, by the quarterback-needy Steelers at No. 21, he could have earned an $18 million contract. A fourth-round selection, in contrast, typically nets a deal worth about $5 million.
Former President Donald Trump chimed in before Round 2, calling teams “STUPID” for passing on Sanders.
Some early evaluations placed Sanders ahead of Cam Ward—who was picked No. 1 overall by Tennessee—but his draft stock dropped closer to draft day. Concerns emerged, including the 94 sacks he took over his last two seasons, questions about his arm strength, and how he might perform outside the comfort of playing under his father. Teams may also hesitate to take a high-profile player as a backup.
Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry, who chose Dillon Gabriel in the third round, acknowledged Sanders’ talent. “He’s a really good quarterback. Sometimes fit comes into play,” Berry said. “He’s got a ton of resolve. I think he’ll land in a really good spot.”
At one point on Thursday night, it appeared the New York Giants might take Sanders after trading up to the 25th pick. Instead, they chose Dart from Mississippi.
On Friday, New Orleans selected Tyler Shough with the 40th pick instead of Sanders, even with concerns about starting quarterback Derek Carr’s shoulder. Seattle followed by drafting Alabama’s Jalen Milroe in the third round, and Cleveland grabbed Gabriel just two picks later.
Gabriel joins a Browns QB room that includes Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco, with Deshaun Watson sidelined due to an Achilles tear. Berry noted Gabriel had impressed the team throughout the evaluation process.
Pittsburgh was also considered a likely destination for Sanders, as he visited the Steelers during the pre-draft process. But the team passed again, opting for Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the 83rd pick. The Steelers currently have only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on their roster following the departures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Sanders watched the draft unfold from home in Canton, Texas, rather than traveling to Green Bay. In a video posted Thursday, he said, “Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”
Still, the wait continues.
Another high-profile prospect, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, also saw his draft stock slide—reportedly due to a knee concern. He was eventually picked 47th overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
“It’s just frustrating,” Johnson said. “I know how my body feels. I know I’m healthy. I’ll prove what I can do on Sundays.”
Friday’s second round also featured a series of trades. Seattle moved up to select South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori at No. 35. Miami followed by picking Arizona guard Jonah Savaiinaea at No. 37.
Buffalo made a bold move, trading up 16 spots to pick defensive tackle T.J. Sanders at No. 41. They sent picks 56, 62, and 109 to the Bears and received picks 72 and 240 in return. T.J. Sanders may see early action due to veteran Larry Ogunjobi’s six-game suspension for a PED violation.
Ohio State continued its dominance in the draft, with three more players taken in the second round. Running backs Quinshon Judkins (36th to Cleveland) and TreVeyon Henderson (38th to New England), along with edge rusher JT Tuimoloau (45th to Indianapolis), brought the school’s total to seven selections in the top 45 picks.
