The 2025 NFL Draft has already seen its share of surprises, but few bigger than the continued slide of Shedeur Sanders.
Once regarded as a top quarterback prospect, Sanders watched five other quarterbacks get selected ahead of him as the draft moved into its later rounds.
Among those taking notice is Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who made it clear on Friday night that teams passing on Sanders might come to regret it.
“I saw [Shedeur] when he was in junior high, and then I saw him in high school and then I saw him when he was a sophomore in high school when they were on their way to Florida,” Payton said, via ESPN.
“He’s going to, like there’ll be this chip on his shoulder, and beware because this guy is going to play in this league.”
Though the Broncos are set at quarterback after drafting Bo Nix in the first round, Payton‘s comments reflect a broader sentiment growing around the NFL – that Sanders‘ draft position does not reflect his true potential.
League executives praise Sanders, but questions remain
Despite Sanders‘ impressive college career at Colorado under his father, Deion Sanders, his name has not yet been called. Instead, players like Tyler Shough (Louisville), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) have already found homes.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry, who selected Gabriel with the 94th overall pick, praised Sanders when speaking to the media.
“The time we spent with Shedeur and what he’s done throughout his college career is impressive,” Berry said. “He’s an impressive young man. He’s a really good quarterback.
“… I would also say this: There are four more rounds in the draft. And then maybe lastly is: It’s less about where you get picked than what you do after you get picked. That’s the most important thing.”
Even outside of teams looking for a quarterback, there’s admiration for Sanders‘ talent. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who has veteran Dak Prescott entrenched as starter, offered glowing praise of Sanders’ character.
“I watched two or three ballgames with [Shedeur],” Jones said. “So, with my knowledge, I know where the character is there and, boy, it is great character. It is an unbelievable winning character for sports. OK? And so I can tell you that.”
Still, admiration hasn’t yet translated to opportunity. As the later rounds approach, Sanders‘ name is one of the most closely watched among those still available.
Payton‘s warning to the league was clear: underestimate Sanders at your own peril.
“It’s surprising [Sanders is still available],” Payton said. “I think it’s hard for any of us to explain what other people are looking for. We focus on what we’re looking for.”
One thing is certain – when Sanders eventually finds a team, he will arrive with a chip on his shoulder, ready to prove the doubters wrong.
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