From projected top pick to uncertain future: Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft stock faces steep drop

Alongside Colorado teammate Travis Hunter and Washington State's Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders was often listed as one of the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class. But as the clock ticks down to Thursday's first round, his future is now far more uncertain.

According to NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, Sanders may not hear his name called on Day 1 at all. Simms' latest mock draft, released Monday, features Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter as the first three players off the board.

Instead, teams with quarterback needs-such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints-opt to on the Colorado signal-caller, an eyebrow-raising development considering both franchises are believed to be seeking long-term solutions under center.

"I don't hear a consensus QB2," Simms wrote. "If teams see Shedeur, Dart, Shough all in the same Round 2 tier, will they trade a future 1st to move up for one of them?"

Experts cite complications behind Sanders' draft slide

The decline in Sanders' projected draft position isn't necessarily due to a lack of talent. In fact, his poise, accuracy, and ability to extend plays have drawn praise from scouts throughout the 2024 college season.

But concerns remain. Durability, consistency against top-tier defenses, and questions about his decision-making under pressure have been sticking points in pre-draft evaluations.

In a recent feature, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones echoed the sentiment of Shedeur Sanders slipping out of Round 1, emphasizing that nearly two years of scouting and film review the belief that teams may hesitate to invest a first-round selection in the Colorado quarterback.

"I've had a couple guys say to me that the only way Sanders will go in the first round is if an owner gets involved," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer noted. "I don't believe that, but the idea does illustrate the complexity of Sanders's situation."