It just got much worse for Shedeur Sanders as his best chance of being drafted in the third round slips away.

The 2025 NFL Draft has delivered countless surprises, but few storylines have been as jarring as the ongoing fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once projected to be a late first- or second-round pick, Sanders now finds himself facing a brutal reality: his best chance of being selected in the third round has officially slipped away.

It’s a stunning turn of events for one of college football’s most electrifying talents — and it raises major questions about what happens next.

Early Hype and Expectations

Throughout the 2024 college football season, Shedeur Sanders dazzled fans and scouts alike. Despite Colorado’s struggles, Sanders consistently demonstrated elite arm strength, incredible poise under pressure, and the kind of leadership NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback.

By the end of the season, mock drafts routinely featured Sanders as a top-50 selection. Some experts even floated his name late in the first round, believing a quarterback-hungry team might trade up to secure him. With Deion Sanders as his coach, mentor, and father, Shedeur also came with built-in marketing potential — a bonus for any franchise.

All of that made what has happened over the past two days even more shocking.

The Slide Begins: Round 1 and Round 2 Come and Go

When Shedeur’s name wasn’t called during the first round Thursday night, it wasn’t a total shock. The first round is notoriously unpredictable, and quarterbacks often slip if teams prioritize other positions. Plus, the 2025 class was loaded with defensive talent.

The real warning sign came during Friday’s second round. Pick after pick, team after team bypassed Sanders, opting instead for defensive backs, offensive linemen, and edge rushers. Even teams with clear quarterback needs — like the New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks — passed on him multiple times.

By the time the second round wrapped up, Sanders was still on the board, looking increasingly vulnerable.

Third-Round Hope Fades

Heading into the third round, there was still optimism in Sanders’ camp. The third round often serves as a “sweet spot” for talented quarterbacks who slipped earlier, offering teams a low-risk, high-reward option.

Several teams picking early in the third round appeared to be strong fits for Sanders:

• New England Patriots: In need of a developmental quarterback.
• Denver Broncos: Looking for long-term solutions behind Jarrett Stidham.
• Minnesota Vikings: Needing depth and a future plan at QB.

But one by one, the picks rolled in — and Sanders’ name remained absent.

Instead, teams targeted positions like offensive line depth, defensive backs, and linebackers. Other quarterbacks — players Sanders had been ranked above in pre-draft evaluations — were selected before him. The window was closing quickly.

By the end of the third round, the unthinkable had happened: Shedeur Sanders was still available, his third-round lifeline gone.

Why Did Shedeur Sanders Fall?

The reasons behind Sanders’ stunning draft-day tumble are complex and layered.

1. Concerns About NFL Transition

Some scouts privately expressed concern that Sanders’ success at Colorado came in a system that didn’t fully prepare him for NFL complexities. Reading full-field progressions, handling complex blitz packages, and adjusting protections are critical at the next level, and there were doubts about his readiness in those areas.

2. Durability Questions

Behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football, Sanders took an incredible number of hits in 2024. He showed toughness by playing through pain, but injuries piled up, and some teams may have been spooked by his long-term durability.

3. Off-Field Considerations

Being the son of Deion Sanders brings obvious advantages — media exposure, charisma, leadership qualities — but some NFL executives feared potential distractions. Would his high profile, brand endorsements, and “Prime Time” legacy bring unwanted attention to a team trying to build quietly?

4. Quarterback Market Saturation

Unlike in years where quarterback demand drives early selections, the 2025 class saw teams address QB needs either through free agency or earlier picks. That left less urgency to grab quarterbacks in the middle rounds.

The Financial Impact of Falling

The drop from second- or third-round pick to fourth round or later is not just about ego. It carries real financial consequences.

• Third-round contracts typically guarantee at least $1.5 to $2 million.
• Fourth-round contracts often guarantee less than $500,000, with smaller signing bonuses and less overall security.

Sanders’ slide could cost him millions in immediate earnings — not to mention leverage on future contract negotiations.

Worse yet, later-round picks are far less secure on NFL rosters. Teams invest more time and patience into higher picks. A fourth- or fifth-round quarterback must fight from Day 1 to even make the roster, let alone secure playing time.

What’s Next for Sanders?

Despite the disappointment, Sanders’ story is far from over. In fact, history suggests he still has every opportunity to carve out a successful NFL career.

Players like Dak Prescott (fourth round) and Kirk Cousins (fourth round) started from humble draft positions and worked their way to Pro Bowl appearances and nine-figure contracts. Sanders’ talent, toughness, and leadership give him the tools to replicate that path.

Here’s what needs to happen next:

• Immediate Impact in Training Camp: Wherever he lands, Sanders must quickly impress coaches with his work ethic, grasp of the playbook, and leadership in the locker room.
• Patience and Development: The path may involve being a backup initially. Patience, humility, and daily improvement will be key.
• Maximizing His Brand: Sanders remains one of the most marketable young athletes in America. NIL deals, endorsements, and his social media presence can keep his profile high even if his playing time is limited early on.
• Using the Chip on His Shoulder: If anyone knows how to use slights as motivation, it’s a Sanders. Expect Shedeur to play with a ferocious desire to prove everyone wrong.

Deion Sanders Responds

Late Friday night, Deion Sanders addressed the situation with a short but telling post on social media:

“We been here before. Overlooked, doubted, questioned. We don’t fold. We FIGHT. The story ain’t over. It’s just getting good.”

The message resonated with many fans and analysts. After all, both Deion and Shedeur have thrived by embracing adversity.

Fan and Media Reaction

The fall of Sanders has sparked widespread reaction across social media platforms.

• Some analysts criticized NFL teams for overthinking the pick and missing out on a player who “just knows how to win.”
• Others argued that Sanders’ situation highlighted broader issues with how the NFL evaluates quarterbacks who don’t fit traditional molds.
• Colorado fans, fiercely loyal to the Sanders family, expressed outrage and support in equal measure.

Overall, the consensus is clear: Sanders’ draft slide is one of the most surprising and disappointing developments of the 2025 NFL Draft so far.

Final Thoughts: A New Beginning Awaits

It’s easy to view this moment as a crushing blow for Shedeur Sanders — and in some ways, it is. The money lost, the embarrassment of being passed over, the questions raised about his future — all of it stings.

But it’s important to remember: Draft position does not define destiny.

Every year, the NFL is filled with stars who were overlooked, doubted, and underestimated. What separates them isn’t where they were drafted — it’s what they did after.

Shedeur Sanders’ journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just getting started. And if history is any guide, there’s a good chance that the teams who passed on him this weekend will soon wish they hadn’t.