What began as a surprising Day 1 snub for Shedeur Sanders has devolved into something much more shocking—and perhaps telling—about the NFL’s view of one of the most high-profile quarterback prospects in recent memory. Heading into Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes signal-caller and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is still waiting to hear his name called.
Projected by many analysts as a surefire first-round pick and one of the most talented quarterbacks in this class, Sanders has watched a slew of his peers—many with far less fanfare—leapfrog him in stunning fashion. Thursday night, the New York Giants traded up to No. 25 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. But that was only the beginning.
Friday night saw three more quarterbacks—Louisville’s Tyler Shough (Saints), Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (Seahawks), and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (Browns)—all drafted before Sanders. In a particularly telling moment, the Cleveland Browns passed on Sanders four times, including twice in a span of just four picks during the second round. Even the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lack a solidified starting quarterback, passed on Sanders for the second time in two days.
So what’s going on? According to an NFL executive from a quarterback-needy team, the issue isn’t a singular red flag. “There’s no smoking gun,” the executive said, “but it’s not just football either.” That cryptic comment speaks volumes.
Around the league, whispers have grown louder suggesting that Sanders’ celebrity status—and the media circus that accompanies it—is complicating his draft value. Some GMs are reportedly wary of what one insider called “The Shedeur Show,” which includes high-profile endorsements, social media fame, a well-documented lifestyle of luxury, and, of course, the shadow of his father Deion Sanders.
“Shedeur isn’t seen as a surefire star yet,” one scout said, “but he comes with the aura of one already. For some teams, that’s a mismatch they aren’t ready to manage.”
An Elite Talent, But Concerns Persist. Shedeur Sanders was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and put up prolific numbers at Colorado despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football. His arm talent, poise, and leadership have all been praised. But critics have noted his tendency to hold onto the ball too long and a lack of top-tier mobility in the pocket—concerns that, in light of other factors, have taken on more weight.
“Some GMs feel like if you draft him, you’re drafting Deion, the cameras, the social media, the expectations—and that’s a lot for a guy they’re not convinced is a Week 1 starter,” another executive told us.
On Friday night, Sanders broke his silence with a single tweet: “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING.” It was a tone of grace in a moment that must feel like public humiliation for a quarterback once touted as a face-of-the-franchise type.
His slide is now being mentioned alongside some of the most memorable draft-day falls in recent history, perhaps even eclipsing Will Levis’ 2023 slide to 33rd overall. Unlike Levis, who was taken with the first pick in the second round, Sanders heads into Day 3 as a complete wild card.
The quarterback market has been largely settled. With limited openings left and few teams looking to invest in a developmental quarterback on Day 3, Sanders may land in a backup situation or a franchise unwilling to build around him in the near term. That would be a stark contrast to Sanders’ public message throughout the draft process—that he’s ready to change the trajectory of any team that selects him.
For a player with first-round talent, the fourth round now looms. And with it, so does the possibility that Shedeur Sanders’ NFL journey may begin not with celebration, but with a grudge.
The final rounds of the draft begin at noon ET Saturday. The clock is still ticking on one of the draft’s most compelling—and controversial—stories.
