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In his latest mock draft released on Tuesday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has stirred anticipation and excitement among NFL fans by projecting Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback from Colorado, to be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 7 overall pick. This prediction has come as a surprise to many, as Sanders was initially expected to be a top-three pick in the NFL Draft.
Kiper's decision to place Sanders with the Jets hinges on the expectation that the Las Vegas Raiders, another team in desperate need of a quarterback, will opt to choose elsewhere with the sixth pick. By making this choice, the Raiders could potentially allow the Jets to secure Sanders without having to trade up in the draft, which would be a significant strategic win for the Jets organization.
"Shedeur in New York with the Jets, to me, is perfect," Kiper said on ESPN's NFL Live. "He's used to the bright lights. He's going to come in there, he's not going to be intimidated by it. He had to deal with all the expectations at Colorado, his father, Deion. He's been around this pressure-packed environment basically his whole life."
The reason behind the take
Shedeur Sanders, known for his exceptional accuracy and field vision, completed 74.0% of his es for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns during the 2024 season. His impressive performance has made him one of the most highly touted prospects in this year's draft class.
Adding Sanders to the Jets' roster could provide a much-needed boost to their offense, which struggled in ing metrics last season. The potential combination of Sanders, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and running back Breece Hall could form a formidable trio for the Jets' offense.
Kiper's analysis underscores the potential impact Sanders could have on the Jets, highlighting that his rookie contract would allow the team to build around him while managing their salary cap effectively. With the Jets looking to move on from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Sanders could be the key to unlocking their future success and returning the franchise to playoff contention.