“NFL Draft Curveball: Shedeur Sanders Faces Unexpected Setback”

In the fast-paced, often unforgiving world of the NFL Draft, the narrative can flip on a dime, leaving even the most promising prospects in a precarious spot. Just like watching a thrilling football game, the drama is palpable; one moment you’re celebrating the potential of a top-five draft pick, and the next, you’re wondering if that same player will even be drafted at all. This rollercoaster of anticipation and despair is exactly what’s unfolded for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Is it a case of genuine draft stock decline, or perhaps, the ultimate test of resilience and character under the unforgiving NFL spotlight? Could this be the setup to the greatest comeback story of the draft? Let’s explore the swirling discussions, the diverse opinions, and the undeniable drama as we countdown to draft night. LEARN MORE.

A month ago Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders seemed like a lock to be drafted in the top five – maybe even the top three. But with mere hours before the start of the draft, the news has only gotten worse for him.

Appearing on CBS Sports Network today, NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported that he hasn’t been hearing anything helpful to his draft stock lately. Jones said that from what he’s learned, there’s “a very good chance” that Sanders will not hear his name called or be drafted tonight.

“(Sanders) could go out of the first round,” Jones said. “He very well may not be a first round quarterback. He may not be the second quarterback that is selected. Different teams have different evaluations of him. More teams that I speak to tell me they have a second-round grade on Shedeur Sanders. Why? Well he has an average – relatively – arm. He has average – relatively – athleticism… 

“All of these things start to add up before you even get to interviews… Whatever you want to say about that, I think that there’s a very good chance that he is not selected on Thursday night.”

"I think that there's a very good chance that [Shedeur Sanders] is not selected on Thursday night."@jjones9 gives the latest on what he's hearing around the league on Shedeur Sanders, heading into draft night. pic.twitter.com/YAu75vEGNC

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) April 23, 2025

NFL fans in the comments to Jones’ report vehemently disagree. Many believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers are just one team that will not allow Sanders to fall past them if he reaches them with their No. 21 overall pick.

“The Steelers will take him at 21 if he’s there. No doubt, they’re desperate and shedeur at 21 isn’t a reach or anything,” one user replied.

“nah man what is happening this literally insane …… i’ve never seen a nastier attempt to destroy a man in the media like this for literally no reason,” wrote another.

“The Shedeur disrespect is out of hand. Put Dart on Colorado and he wouldn’t be remotely close to having a first round grade. Shedeur elevates talent around him.”

“This is wild, this wasn’t being said weeks ago, seems very targeted.”

“Steelers will take him if he’s there ..imo.”

The way that Shedeur Sanders has been crushed by NFL insiders lately has been quite a sight to see. But all that matters in the end is whether one NFL general manager sees him as the right fit.

Related: Everyone Had Same Reaction To Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Stock