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Shedeur Sanders continues to generate headlines ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft and his most recent stop in Pittsburgh might have added a compelling new wrinkle to his journey. Sanders, widely projected as a top-five pick, took a top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday.
He flew into the city on Wednesday and spent the following day touring the team's facility and meeting with decision-makers, including head coach Mike Tomlin. For Sanders, the trip was not just another routine meeting. It was personal.
Tomlin leaves a strong impression on Sanders
Speaking to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero Thursday night, Sanders spoke highly of the organization and shared that Tomlin reminded him of his legendary father, Deion Sanders.
"The Steelers were great. I understand it. I understand why they win so much, why Coach is the way he is. [Mike Tomlin] resembles my dad a little bit. They have the same principles," Sanders said, via PennLive's Nick Farabaugh.
Deion, a Hall of Famer and now the head coach at Colorado, has mentored Shedeur throughout his entire football journey - first at Jackson State and later with the Buffaloes.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have good reason to be active in their quarterback evaluations. The current quarterback room includes just Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, with the team still awaiting a decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers on whether he'll sign with Pittsburgh or retire.
Given the uncertainty, Pittsburgh's front office is reportedly exploring every viable option under center - and that includes a hard look at the 2025 quarterback class.
Shedeur Sanders' draft stock remains high after a standout season at Colorado. He threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2024 - numbers that cemented his status as one of the most productive and dynamic quarterbacks in the nation.
While many experts have slotted Sanders into the top five picks in early mock drafts, there's increasing buzz that he could slide if quarterback-needy teams opt for others like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.
If that happens, the New Orleans Saints could be in play at pick No. 9. But if they also , things could quickly get interesting - especially with the Steelers holding the No. 21 overall pick.