Tyler Shough getting drafted before Shedeur Sanders has the football world going crazy

In one of the most surprising twists of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints used their second-round pick—No. 39 overall—on Louisville’s veteran signal-caller Tyler Shough, passing over Colorado’s Heisman Trophy finalist Shedeur Sanders. As the dust settles on draft night, the football world is buzzing with debate, analysis, and outright shock. Below are the instant reactions—ranging from front-office insiders to national analysts, from head coaches to social-media fervor—dissecting why Shough went ahead of Sanders and what it means for both players’ futures.

1. Saints’ Organizational Philosophy: Proven Experience Over Upside

One of the prevailing themes coming out of New Orleans is the franchise’s commitment to immediate readiness. With veteran Derek Carr’s health still a question mark after shoulder surgery, the Saints opted for a quarterback who has logged more than 40 starts in college and taken thousands of pro-style dropbacks. Shough’s familiarity with complex offensive schemes and his track record of playing under center in a run-heavy system appealed to New Orleans’s “win-now” mentality. In contrast, Sanders, despite his electrifying talent, was viewed as more of a developmental project with unproven experience against top-flight competition.

2. NFL Scouts’ Consensus: Mechanics and Processing

Scouts praised Shough’s refined footwork, quick release, and ability to navigate a pocket under duress. His pre-snap reads and post-snap progressions ranked among the best in this draft class. By contrast, while Sanders boasts exceptional athleticism and playmaking instincts, evaluators noted inconsistencies in his dropback footwork and occasional telegraphed throws. In the ultra-competitive environment of the NFL, Shough’s perceived lower floor and steadier baseline ultimately won out.

3. Coach Prime’s Influence vs. On-Field Output

Shedeur Sanders carried the narrative of being “Coach Prime’s son,” which generated ample media attention and sky-high expectations. Yet now that draft selections have come and gone, the league appears to have separated pedigree from performance. While Sanders shone in highlight-reel moments at Colorado, his production against Power Five defenses was uneven. Shough’s body of work—marked by efficient touchdown-to-interception ratios, poised late-game composure, and success in bowl environments—proved more convincing to decision-makers.

4. Immediate Depth Chart Implications

New Orleans now heads into the offseason with Derek Carr as the unquestioned Starter No. 1, Teddy Bridgewater as a veteran backup, and Tyler Shough as the insurance policy and mentor-in-training. That three-man room blends Carr’s playoff pedigree, Bridgewater’s leadership, and Shough’s developmental potential into one of the league’s deepest quarterback groups. Sanders, meanwhile, will watch from afar—hoping for a late-day call from teams seeking a late-round flier on a high-ceiling athlete.

5. Media and Fanroom Fervor: “What Were They Thinking?”

Social media erupted within minutes of the selection. #ShoughOverSanders trended nationally, with fans and pundits sharing incredulity, GIFs of Sanders’s Heisman highlights, and memes questioning the Saints’ front office. National talk shows pivoted to live discussions: Was this a failure of talent evaluation or an ingenious roster-building strategy? Some fans branded it a franchise blunder, while others defended the pick as prudent roster management in a quarterback-driven league.

6. Shedeur’s Response: Grace Under Pressure

Shedeur Sanders watched draft night from Colorado, trusting that his preparation would speak for itself. When passed over, he maintained composure—posting a brief thank you to family, coaches, and teammates, then resolutely declaring his belief in “God’s plan.” His calm social-media statements underscored his maturity: disappointments don’t define destiny, and a late-round selection or priority free-agent deal could still propel him to NFL success.

7. Shough’s First Statements: Ready for the Next Challenge

On his first conference call as a Saint, Shough expressed gratitude and readiness: “I know what it means to lead this position. I’ve been preparing my whole life to step into the pocket, read defenses, and make plays when it counts.” His measured confidence—and clear understanding of the weight of professional expectations—reinforced the Saints’ conviction that they’d selected a quarterback capable of thriving in a high-pressure environment.

8. Comparative Draft Histories: Lessons from the Past

NFL history is littered with quarterbacks drafted on college résumé over ceiling. Picks like Chad Henne, Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo shared similar profiles: successful collegiate careers, strong pro-style tape, but less exceptional tools compared to peers. Some flourished, others fizzled. This pattern likely influenced New Orleans to prioritize a polished college veteran over raw upside.

9. Where Sanders Might Land: Late-Day Options

As Day 3 approaches, Sanders’s camp is fielding calls from multiple teams in need of an athletic project quarterback. Franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, or a surprise playoff contender eyeing future depth could swoop in. His dual-threat ability and draw of the family name make him a coveted undrafted free agent target—one whose narrative could flourish in the right system.

10. Franchise Futures: Strategic Takeaways

For the Saints, this pick signals a blueprint: acquire steady contributors at premium positions rather than chase upside in the early rounds. It also underscores how medical reliability and system fit can eclipse raw tools in front-office boardrooms. For Sanders, the snub may serve as fuel—every great athlete thrives on being underestimated. His draft slide could become a motivational cornerstone as he seeks to prove evaluators wrong.

Final Analysis

Tyler Shough’s selection before Shedeur Sanders crystallizes an enduring NFL truth: readiness often trumps upside, especially under the bright lights of a franchise’s quarterback room. While Sanders’s Heisman campaign and highlight-reel talent captured imaginations, the Saints bet on a proven performer who checks the mechanical and mental boxes at a position that demands precision.

As Shough settles into the Saints’ facility and Sanders prepares for the uncertainty of Day 3, the ultimate verdict will unfold on the field. If Shough blossoms into a reliable starter or top backup, New Orleans will validate its unorthodox decision. If Sanders overcomes the snub to carve out his own NFL legacy, evaluators everywhere will have cause to reconsider how best to balance pedigree, production, and projection.

In the high-stakes NFL ecosystem, every draft pick is a bet. For now, the chips have fallen in favor of Tyler Shough—and the football world will be watching eagerly to see how this bold gamble plays out.