The 2025 NFL Draft was full of excitement, but one surprising storyline stood out—Shedeur Sander’s unexpected fall down the draft boards. Many experts anticipated that the Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders would be an early pick. Instead, Sander endured a dramatic slide, raising questions across the football world.

Shedeur Sander’s College Achievements

Shedeur Sander made headlines during his college career with his impressive stats and leadership. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns last season, posting a 74% completion rate. These numbers put him among the nation’s elite quarterbacks and fueled speculation he would be a top NFL prospect. His skill set, poise, and pedigree looked like a perfect fit for quarterback-needy teams.

Why Did Shedeur Sander Slide in the NFL Draft?

Several teams showed interest in Shedeur Sander, but as the picks progressed, he remained on the board. According to a thoughtful USA TODAY analysis, the reasons for his draft slide extend beyond just football. Some NFL insiders noted concerns about his approach and the intense spotlight surrounding his famous family. Despite his talent, these off-field factors seemed to influence how teams evaluated him.

His draft experience became a trending topic, especially as teams in need opted for other quarterbacks. The New Orleans Saints, for instance, passed on Shedeur Sander twice, selecting Louisville’s Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick instead. ESPN’s detailed recap outlines how the Saints chose Shough because of his unique college journey and readiness for the NFL, leaving Sander available deeper into the draft.

How Teams Made Their Choices

The 2025 NFL Draft saw several quarterback-needy teams select alternatives. The New York Giants chose Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart, while others gave preference to QBs with less off-field attention. Even as Shedeur Sander waited for his name to be called, he collected praise for his composure and maturity throughout the process.

Fans and analysts questioned whether teams were passing on Sander for reasons other than football. Some suggested that his confident personality and the attention from his legendary father affected perceptions. Regardless, the focus remained on his undeniable talent and his potential at the pro level.

For real-time coverage and more insight into Sander’s landing spots and team grades, check out the CBS Sports draft tracker. This resource provided up-to-the-minute updates as the action unfolded.

What’s Next for Shedeur Sander?

Although Shedeur Sander’s draft night didn’t go as planned, his career is far from defined by where he was selected. Many great quarterbacks have overcome being passed over early on—think of Lamar Jackson or Dak Prescott.

Sander’s talent and drive will now fuel his journey in the NFL. He has an opportunity to prove doubters wrong and establish himself as a future franchise quarterback. As the next season dawns, all eyes will be on how Shedeur Sander transitions to the pro stage.

Conclusion

Shedeur Sander’s NFL draft experience was dramatic, but it may serve as motivation as his story continues to unfold. Teams that passed on him may look back with regret, and football fans will closely track his progress. His resilience, skill, and determination could turn this draft night disappointment into the first chapter of an inspiring success story.