NFL Draft Rumors: Shedeur Sanders Could Fall Out of 1st Round

The top of the 2025 NFL Draft might have some drama in store. According to SI's Albert Breer, Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders could fall out of the first round despite being projected as a top-10 pick for much of the draft process.

💥💥 @TheMMQB Takeaways 💥💥

🏈 The Shedeur Sanders Saga.
🏈 OL getting moved 📈📈📈.
🏈 The non-QB that could prompt a trade up.
🏈 Medical flags that affect the first round.
🏈 Reading into @AaronRodgers12's words.
🏈 MORE!https://t.co/51Im0tLx1n
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 21, 2025

"I said, in a few different places, that Sanders could go No. 3 or he could go 33-- at the time, conventional wisdom held he was a top-10 pick," Breer wrote in his Takeaways column. "I still think that wide range is in play."

Sanders is generally considered the second-best quarterback prospect in the draft and has been projected to go as high as second overall to the Cleveland Browns. The New York Giants also have a significant need at quarterback and hold the third overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets at six and seven could also use a young prospect to learn under their recent veteran additions.

Still, there are valid reasons for teams to be skeptical of Sanders' potential in the NFL. Sanders started 24 games for the Buffaloes, passing for 7364 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, but he's hardly a perfect prospect. He's less accomplished than many typical top incoming quarterbacks (Colorado amassed a mere 13-12 record over the past two seasons), and he may lack the speed and elusiveness to run away from NFL defensive linemen. He netted -127 rushing yards over 211 rushing attempts with Colorado.

Being the son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders could also present some issues for Shedeur. NFL franchises are desperate to control their narratives, and the NFL Hall of Famer is one of the most notoriously brash and outspoken figures in all sports. Teams could be reluctant to take on the constant commentary and unwanted attention that drafting Sanders might invite.

Ultimately, there may be too many quarterback-needy teams for Sanders to fall completely out of the first round. The Pittsburgh Steelers have already shown interest and hold the 21st overall pick, and a team like the Giants or Browns could trade into the late 20s or early 30s if only to secure the valuable fifth-year option included in contracts for first-round picks. In any case, Sanders' status will be one of the most intriguing subplots of this week's draft.