Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders surprisingly falls out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite early projections.

In one of the most surprising developments of the 2025 NFL Draft, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders — long projected as a potential top-10 selection — fell out of the first round entirely. Once viewed as a surefire Day 1 pick and the face of Colorado’s football resurgence under his father, head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s slide shocked analysts, fans, and draft rooms alike.

The unexpected drop has prompted questions about what caused NFL teams to pass on the former Buffaloes star — and what his future looks like as Day 2 begins. Despite immense talent, a high-profile college career, and NFL bloodlines, Sanders finds himself in the rare company of elite quarterbacks who didn’t hear their name called in Round 1.

High Hopes, Higher Expectations

Entering the 2024 college football season, Shedeur Sanders was one of the most talked-about players in the country. After transferring from Jackson State and putting up big numbers in his first year at Colorado, Sanders returned for his senior season with hopes of boosting his draft stock — and perhaps leading the Buffaloes to a bowl game.

Despite Colorado’s struggles in 2024, Sanders impressed individually. He threw for over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdowns, displaying poise, deep-ball accuracy, and mobility behind an offensive line that often left him scrambling. Many evaluators praised his ability to extend plays, process defenses quickly, and show resilience in high-pressure situations.

By the end of the college season, Sanders was widely considered a first-round talent — with some projections placing him in the top 15. His name appeared frequently in mock drafts linked to quarterback-needy teams like the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints.

But as the pre-draft process unfolded, cracks in his first-round projection began to emerge.

The Pre-Draft Process: Rising Doubts and Shifting Perceptions

While Sanders did not participate in the Senior Bowl, he did throw at Colorado’s pro day and met with several NFL teams for private workouts and interviews. Reports from scouts and executives painted a mixed picture. Some were still intrigued by his raw ability and leadership, while others raised concerns about his transition to the NFL.

Primary concerns included:

• Injury durability: Sanders suffered multiple hits behind Colorado’s leaky offensive line, raising questions about his long-term durability at the next level.
• System translation: Playing in an up-tempo, spread-heavy offense with frequent RPOs and scripted reads, Sanders didn’t always display the type of full-field progressions NFL coordinators want to see.
• Decision-making under pressure: Though Sanders had clutch moments, some scouts noted that he held onto the ball too long at times and took unnecessary sacks.

Those issues didn’t erase his talent, but they seemed to shake the confidence of front offices — especially when compared to other quarterbacks in the class.

As prospects like J.J. McCarthy (Michigan), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington), and Bo Nix (Oregon) rose during the pre-draft cycle, Sanders’ stock quietly slid. By draft night, it became clear that he was teetering on the edge of the first round.

And then, pick after pick, his name remained uncalled.

Teams Make Moves — But Not for Sanders

Quarterbacks flew off the board in the first 15 picks. Caleb Williams (USC) went No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, followed by Drake Maye (North Carolina) to the Commanders, and Jayden Daniels (LSU) to the Patriots. Even J.J. McCarthy, once considered a fringe first-rounder, landed with the Giants at No. 6. Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. both found homes late in the first round, with the Raiders and Seahawks respectively.

Sanders, once thought to be in the same tier, remained untouched.

“I’m stunned,” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said as the first round concluded. “I thought for sure a team like New Orleans or maybe Minnesota would pull the trigger late in the round. But this tells us that either teams didn’t see first-round upside or that the interviews raised more questions than we knew.”

For fans of Coach Prime and the Buffaloes, the wait was agonizing. Sanders himself didn’t attend the draft in person — opting to watch from a private family gathering in Texas — but clips of his subdued reactions quickly went viral online.

Reaction From Coach Prime and the NFL Community

Deion Sanders, never one to shy away from a moment, took to social media soon after Round 1 concluded.

“We don’t need validation — we need opportunity. Shedeur is a baller and whoever gets him will be BLESSED. #CoachPrime”

The elder Sanders has been vocal throughout his son’s career, defending his talent, character, and potential. He’s called Shedeur “the most NFL-ready QB in America” and has pushed back on critics who suggest his son’s fame outweighs his substance.

Several former NFL players also expressed their support for Shedeur.

“Y’all are gonna regret passing on this kid,” tweeted Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens. “He’s the truth. Just wait.”

Indeed, Sanders will now enter Day 2 of the draft as one of the biggest names available — and a potential value pick for a team in need of a developmental starter or strong backup.

Who Could Take a Chance on Sanders in Round 2?

The good news for Sanders: there’s no shortage of teams that still need quarterbacks, and the pressure of a first-round contract is now off the table. He can land in a situation with less immediate scrutiny and more developmental runway.

Possible destinations include:

• New Orleans Saints (Pick No. 41): Derek Carr is aging, and the Saints need a long-term answer. Sanders would be a high-upside pick in a dome-friendly environment.
• Denver Broncos (Pick No. 48): Despite passing in Round 1, Sean Payton still needs a quarterback. Could he see Sanders as a Day 2 project?
• Minnesota Vikings (Pick No. 42 or 53): With Kirk Cousins gone, the Vikings have already taken one quarterback. But they could double-dip if they believe in Sanders’ ceiling.
• Las Vegas Raiders (Pick No. 44): A team many thought would take Sanders on Day 1. Round 2 could be the perfect time to make it happen.

Sanders also benefits from the fact that many teams are shifting to more mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks — a category where he excels. His ability to make throws on the run and extend plays with his legs could appeal to innovative offensive minds looking to mold a quarterback around their system.

What’s Next for Sanders?

Regardless of where he lands, Sanders now faces a different journey than the one many envisioned. The pressure of being a top-10 pick is gone, but so is the guaranteed money and fifth-year option that comes with being selected on Day 1.

Still, sliding to Day 2 doesn’t mean a quarterback can’t thrive. History offers numerous examples of players who were passed over in Round 1 only to become stars: Drew Brees, Derek Carr, and Jalen Hurts all come to mind.

For Sanders, the path forward is about proving doubters wrong — something he and his family have been doing for years. From being overlooked at Jackson State to lighting it up at Colorado, Sanders has shown a consistent ability to rise above expectations.

“I’ve always bet on myself,” Sanders said in a pre-draft interview. “No matter what people say or where I’m picked, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. I know what I can do.”

Legacy, Pressure, and Perspective

Being the son of Deion Sanders comes with its perks — and pressures. From NIL deals to media appearances, Shedeur has been in the spotlight more than most college players. Critics have questioned whether the hype surrounding him is earned or inherited.

But those who’ve worked closely with him speak to his focus, work ethic, and maturity.

“Shedeur is not just Coach Prime’s son,” said former Colorado offensive coordinator Sean Lewis. “He’s his own man, and he puts in the work. The film speaks for itself.”

Now, the NFL gets to decide what that film means at the next level.