Shadeur Sanders and the New England Patriots are the Chicago Bears’ biggest wildcards in the NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with multiple teams in the hunt for game-changing players and top-tier talent. Among the teams to watch are the Chicago Bears, who possess a remarkable six first-round picks, giving them a rare opportunity to reshape their roster for the future. However, the draft isn’t just about what the Bears will do with their picks; it’s about how the actions of others could change the entire landscape. Two of the biggest wildcards in the 2025 draft are Shadour Sanders, the highly-touted quarterback out of Jackson State University, and the New England Patriots, a team known for its unpredictability under the leadership of Bill Belichick. These two factors could have a significant impact on how the Bears approach the draft, and perhaps even alter their long-term strategy.
Shadour Sanders: The Rising Star and Potential Wildcard
Shadour Sanders has emerged as one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football, earning significant recognition for his poise, talent, and leadership on the field. As the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shadour entered the college scene with a legacy to live up to, but he has done so with aplomb. Playing for Jackson State, Sanders has shown a remarkable ability to lead his team and put up impressive numbers. His quick release, ability to read defenses, and strong arm have made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to enter the draft in recent years.
Yet, despite his obvious talent, Sanders remains a wildcard in the 2025 NFL Draft. While many mock drafts have him projected as a first-round pick, there’s an undeniable sense that he could either fall lower than expected or be selected higher than anticipated, depending on how teams perceive his abilities. The question surrounding Sanders is how his style of play will translate to the NFL. While he has thrived at the college level, particularly in an offense that has showcased his dual-threat capabilities, the jump to the NFL could prove challenging in terms of competition and the system he would need to adapt to. This uncertainty makes Sanders one of the most intriguing players in the draft, and his position could have a ripple effect on other teams’ strategies.
For the Chicago Bears, the potential landing spot for Sanders is an interesting one. The Bears, still in the process of developing their young quarterback, Justin Fields, could look to add Sanders as an intriguing developmental prospect if he falls far enough down the draft board. While it’s unlikely that Chicago would move on from Fields so soon, they could still view Sanders as a potential future starter or valuable backup who could grow behind Fields. If Sanders falls into the Bears’ range, they could see an opportunity to bolster their quarterback room for the future without committing to him as an immediate starter.
Moreover, Sanders’ draft position could trigger a series of unexpected events in the first round. Should a team like the New England Patriots, known for their draft-day surprises, target Sanders earlier than expected, it could cause a domino effect throughout the draft, influencing the Bears’ strategy in unforeseen ways.
The New England Patriots: A Franchise Built on Unpredictability
If any team has a reputation for surprising the NFL world on draft day, it’s the New England Patriots. Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have consistently made moves that leave analysts and fans alike scratching their heads. The most notable example of this was in 2021, when the Patriots traded up in the first round to select quarterback Mac Jones, despite there being no public indication that Jones was their guy. While Jones has yet to prove himself as a top-tier NFL quarterback, the move demonstrated Belichick’s ability to take calculated risks that don’t always align with conventional wisdom.
The Patriots enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a number of needs, including a potential upgrade at quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. While they’ve made strides in building a competent team around Mac Jones, there’s still a sense that they’re missing that next-level playmaker who can elevate the offense. This leaves the door open for the Patriots to make bold moves in the draft—particularly if they see an opportunity to land a player like Shadour Sanders.
The Patriots are often linked with quarterbacks in the draft, especially given the uncertainty around Jones’ future as the team’s long-term starter. If Sanders falls to a certain point, the Patriots could pounce on him, potentially moving up in the draft to ensure they secure the talented young signal-caller. This would not only impact their own future but could create a massive shake-up in the draft order, affecting the strategies of teams like the Chicago Bears, who might be forced to adjust their plans accordingly.
The Patriots’ potential involvement in a Shadour Sanders selection could also lead to further trade activity, with the team seeking to move up or down in the draft. Belichick is known for making deals that change the flow of the draft, and this year could be no different. As a team with a history of unexpected moves, the Patriots’ actions are always something to watch closely. Their willingness to surprise could be the key to unlocking a series of dominoes that change the course of the draft, and the Bears will need to be ready to react.
The Chicago Bears: Capitalizing on Uncertainty
The Chicago Bears have one of the most unique positions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With six first-round picks, they have an incredible opportunity to remake their roster, adding talent at multiple positions of need. However, the draft is an unpredictable event, and the Bears will need to be prepared to adapt to the chaos that can unfold on draft day. This makes teams like the New England Patriots, who thrive on surprise, and players like Shadour Sanders, who could fall or rise unexpectedly, even more important in shaping the Bears’ draft strategy.
The Bears’ front office has made it clear that they want to surround quarterback Justin Fields with the best talent available, particularly at offensive line and wide receiver. However, should a player like Sanders slip through the cracks, the Bears could find themselves in a situation where they need to reassess their priorities. While Fields is firmly entrenched as the starter, having a young, talented quarterback like Sanders on the roster could provide significant value for the future, either as a backup or as a trade asset down the road.
The presence of Sanders on the draft board could also force the Bears to consider other positions of need, such as defensive line or secondary, depending on how the draft unfolds. With multiple first-round picks, Chicago has the flexibility to adapt its strategy based on how the draft plays out and which players are available. They could target an immediate contributor, or they could take a longer-term approach by selecting a high-upside player like Sanders and developing him over time.
The potential for the Patriots to trade up or select a player like Sanders also adds a layer of intrigue for the Bears. If the Patriots make a move that shakes up the draft order, the Bears could either capitalize on the changes by acquiring additional picks or adjust their selection strategy based on the players still available.
 A Draft Full of Possibilities
The 2025 NFL Draft is poised to be a thrilling, unpredictable event, with Shadour Sanders and the New England Patriots playing pivotal roles in shaping how the first round unfolds. For the Chicago Bears, a team with a unique opportunity to build for both the present and the future, these wildcard factors could make or break their draft strategy. Whether it’s the surprise selection of Sanders or the Patriots making an unexpected move, the Bears must be ready to react and capitalize on the uncertainty.
With six first-round picks, Chicago is in an enviable position. However, the draft is rarely predictable, and the actions of teams like the Patriots or the draft status of players like Sanders could change the landscape entirely. One thing is for sure: the Bears’ ability to adapt and make the most of these wildcard scenarios will be crucial in determining how successful they are in the 2025 NFL Draft.
