What position will Shedeur Sanders occupy in the NFL Draft? Other quarterbacks were selected in Rounds 2 and 3, but Colorado’s quarterback was not.

The 2025 NFL Draft has already delivered plenty of surprises, but one of the biggest shockers so far has been the continued availability of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite heavy speculation that he could be a high pick, Sanders remains undrafted through three rounds. Several other quarterbacks—some of whom entered the process with far less fanfare—have already heard their names called. Yet Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, waits.

The question on everyone’s mind now is simple: What position will Shedeur Sanders occupy in the NFL Draft? Will he finally come off the board in the later rounds, and if so, how will his unexpected fall impact his career and the team that ultimately selects him?

Entering the 2024 college football season, Shedeur Sanders was firmly in the conversation as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. After an electric 2023 season that saw him throw for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just three interceptions behind a porous offensive line, many scouts believed Sanders would be a surefire first-round pick whenever he declared.

Add in the Deion Sanders factor—his larger-than-life personality and marketing acumen—and it seemed inevitable that Shedeur would be a highly sought-after quarterback prospect. Analysts compared him to mobile, quick-thinking quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson (before Watson’s legal troubles overshadowed his career), emphasizing Sanders’ accuracy, poise under pressure, and leadership skills.

But things began to shift during the 2024 season and the subsequent draft evaluation period.

While Sanders put up impressive numbers again in 2024 (3,485 yards, 29 touchdowns, 6 interceptions), Colorado’s season was rocky. The Buffaloes finished with a losing record, struggling against physical defenses and ranked opponents. Sanders continued to show moments of brilliance, including comeback wins and highlight-reel throws, but NFL evaluators began to poke holes in his game.

Chief among the criticisms:

• Durability Concerns: Sanders was sacked an NCAA-high 52 times in 2024. While much of that was due to poor offensive line play, some scouts noted that Sanders often held onto the ball too long trying to make a big play.
• Arm Strength: While accurate, Sanders’ arm strength was viewed as good but not elite. In a league obsessed with rocket-armed quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, this raised red flags.
• System Fit: Playing in Sean Lewis’s fast-paced, spread offense (before Lewis was demoted) didn’t mirror the kinds of pro-style systems many NFL teams prefer.

By the time the pre-draft process began in earnest—Senior Bowl, Combine, Pro Days—Sanders had slipped behind several quarterbacks.

Several quarterbacks seized the moment while Sanders stayed relatively quiet.

• J.J. McCarthy (Michigan): A national championship-winning quarterback with prototypical size and a winning pedigree, McCarthy flew up draft boards and became a first-round lock.
• Michael Penix Jr. (Washington): Concerns about Penix’s injury history persisted, but his deep-ball prowess and playoff run impressed scouts.
• Bo Nix (Oregon): Nix was praised for his maturity, decision-making, and 61 career starts.
• Spencer Rattler (South Carolina): Once left for dead as a prospect, Rattler revitalized his stock with a strong final college season and excellent interviews.

By the time the second and third rounds wrapped up, all of these quarterbacks had been selected—and Sanders had not.

Even quarterbacks like Jordan Travis (Florida State) and Joe Milton III (Tennessee)—players with glaring flaws—came off the board before Sanders.

Reports circulated that Shedeur Sanders and his camp were vocal about wanting to control where he would be drafted. NFL teams are notoriously sensitive to players (and agents) who try to influence the draft process, and many front offices viewed this as a red flag. Some likened it to Eli Manning’s draft situation in 2004, but Sanders didn’t have the same leverage.

Teams likely feared potential holdouts, distractions, or simply dealing with an unusual amount of off-field noise.

There were also rumblings that NFL teams worried about how involved Deion Sanders would be in Shedeur’s professional career. Deion is fiercely protective of his son, and some teams wondered whether they’d be getting a quarterback or a packaged deal that included Prime Time’s opinions.

While Sanders’ production was strong, his film showed areas that need refining. His mechanics under pressure can deteriorate. He occasionally bails from clean pockets. These are coachable flaws, but teams weighing second- and third-round picks often prefer players who need less work.

The 2025 class is unusually deep. Several quarterbacks who might normally be viewed as mid-round developmental projects were elevated into Day 2 consideration. Sanders was simply squeezed out.

All eyes now turn to Rounds 4-7.

Historically, the fourth round is where quarterbacks who have starter upside but significant flaws are taken. Players like Dak Prescott (Round 4, 2016) and Kirk Cousins (Round 4, 2012) prove that waiting until Day 3 doesn’t doom a quarterback’s career.

Sanders’ talent still makes him an intriguing pick, and it’s highly unlikely he remains on the board much longer. Teams that could target Sanders early on Day 3 include:

• New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr isn’t a long-term solution. Sanders’ style would fit New Orleans’ offensive philosophy.
• Atlanta Falcons: Even after drafting a QB earlier, Sanders could be a project worth developing under a new regime.
• Minnesota Vikings: With uncertainty behind J.J. McCarthy, Sanders would be a valuable backup and potential future starter.
• Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones loves making bold moves, and bringing in Deion Sanders’ son would be a marketing dream.

If Sanders slides even further into the fifth or sixth round, he’ll be considered one of the steals of the draft.

One thing no scout or general manager doubts about Shedeur Sanders is his mental toughness.

He faced incredible scrutiny and pressure at Colorado, and he never once buckled. Despite the constant media circus surrounding the Buffaloes, Sanders was consistently a leader, a stabilizing force in the locker room, and a player who took responsibility when things went wrong.

NFL executives value players who can handle adversity, and Sanders has already proved he can thrive under a level of pressure most young quarterbacks never experience.

That resilience, combined with his talent, makes it hard to believe he will wait much longer to hear his name called.

Landing in the right spot will be critical for Sanders.

If he joins a team with a stable coaching staff, a patient development plan, and a solid offensive line, Sanders has the tools to eventually become a starting NFL quarterback. If he’s thrown into chaos—or forced to play behind a terrible line—it could stunt his growth.

A few ideal landing spots include:

• Baltimore Ravens: Sitting behind Lamar Jackson would allow Sanders to develop without pressure and learn from a similarly athletic quarterback.
• Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith is aging, and Seattle has a veteran-laden offense that could protect a young quarterback.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts is entrenched, but Philadelphia loves building depth and could groom Sanders for the long term.

Ultimately, Shedeur Sanders’ draft fall is embarrassing for the pre-draft hype machine—but it could turn into a blessing for Sanders himself. Going to the right organization matters far more than going early.

Deion Sanders’ brand is tied heavily to his son’s success. There’s no doubt Deion will use Shedeur’s eventual landing spot—wherever it is—as another chapter in his larger story about doubters and resilience.

Expect Deion to continue promoting Shedeur aggressively, but also expect the elder Sanders to step back publicly once Shedeur is firmly in an NFL building. NFL teams are sensitive about anything that looks like “helicopter parenting,” and Deion understands the stakes.

If Shedeur can produce at the NFL level, it only enhances Deion’s reputation as a coach and mentor. If he struggles, Deion will still find a way to spin the narrative toward loyalty, perseverance, and family values.

The 2025 NFL Draft has delivered an unexpected twist in Shedeur Sanders’ journey.

Once thought to be a potential first-round pick, Sanders has now slid past the third round, stunning draft observers. But while his fall has fueled headlines, it does not define his potential.

Sanders remains one of the most talented quarterbacks in the class. His polished accuracy, strong leadership, and mental toughness make him an intriguing prospect for any team smart enough to take a chance on him early in Day