With the April 24 date of the 2025 NFL Draft looming, the most polarizing prospect among scouts is still Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. With his dad, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he has wowed observers with his arm skill, poise, and leadership, but concerns regarding his mechanics, decision-making, and off-the-field image have dampened excitement. From potential No. 1 overall pick to mid-to-late first-round expectation, Sanders' road to college star to pro prospect has been one of the more fascinating draft narratives. Here, we break down his possible destinations, combine performance, Colorado stats, and current draft projections.

 

 

 

Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Predictions

Sanders' draft destination is the subject of debate, with mock drafts pointing to him going to various teams that are looking for a QB. New Orleans Saints, drafting at No. 9, are among the favorites, thanks to concerns about Derek Carr’s shoulder issue and lack of heir apparent at this time. Sanders is thought to excel under the New Orleans' QB-friendly coaching with offensive-oriented coaches. The Pittsburgh Steelers, drafting at No. 21, are the next likely destination, where Sanders can take the reins behind veteran Aaron Rodgers or compete with Mason Rudolph to be the starting QB. New York Giants at No. 3 and the No. 2 draft pick, the Cleveland Browns, have been discussed to be part of the mix, but as per reports, Sanders' camp is cautious of the teams due to coach stability issues, alongside depth of the teams' rosters. Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and the Tennessee Titans can be dark horses, depending on the teams considering patching the QB problem first. His destination would be largely dependent on the teams' needs and meetings pre-draft, where his self-confidence, along with attitude, will be questioned.

 

 


 

Shedeur Sanders Draft Combine

At the Indianapolis Combine 2025, Sanders showed the world what makes him the first-round talent that he is. Among the standouts was his deep and intermediary accuracy, where he impressed observers with the pigskin going into tight creases. He showed good footwork, too, and the quicker-than-average defense reading he honed at the pro-style offense at the University of Colorado. His work was not flawless, however. Scouts felt that his good arm strength did lack the upper-level explosiveness of top prospect compatriots such as Miami’s Cam Ward. His holding onto the pigskin too long and resulting sacks, too, left concerns, as did his pocket poise under pressure. Off the field, Sanders was faulted for being “overly confident” or “unprofessional” at interviews, though his defenders, such as the University of Colorado coaches, claim that these impressions are the result of bias based upon his outspoken nature and famous parents. His combine further cemented his first-round status, though it didn’t bring him to the forefront of the quarterback class.

 

 


 

Shedeur Sanders College Stats

Sanders' final season at Colorado was one of the best, earning him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award. He completed 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions, completing 73.3% of passes in 12 games. His talent at extending plays with his feet, however, and making plays under pressure was best illustrated, however, in the upset the Buffaloes won over top-ranked opponents. His 51 sacks in 2024, though, raised eyebrows concerning his poise inside the pocket and the suspect offensive line of the Buffaloes. Over two years at Colorado, Sanders passed for 7,874 yards, threw 67 touchdown passes, and threw 19 interceptions, turning a lifeless program into one which competed at the highest levels. His stats support his promise as a franchise QB, but some scouts question how well his production, fueled by the pass-happy CU offense, will translate to the quicker, stronger defenses of the NFL.

 

 


 

Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Odds

Draft markets reflect the uncertainty of where Sanders will be drafted. DraftKings has the Saints at -130 to draft him, then the Steelers at +350, then the Giants at +370. Sanders is heavily favored at -250 to be drafted off the board behind only Ward, yet his overall draft slot over/under is at 8.5, the over at -300, predicting he will drop outside the top-10. Early in the draft cycle, Sanders was projected to be drafted No. 1, with such a line at +200, yet he has fallen behind, with some books now at 70-1 to be the No. 1 pick. These fluctuating odds reflect the broad range of possibilities, going top-10 to possibly falling to the 20s. Team drills, along with one-on-one interviews, will be determinants of ultimate draft position.

In short, Shedeur Sanders' path to the 2025 NFL Draft is marked by unchallenged talent, amplified deficiencies, and the weight of his legendary surname. His combine performance and Colorado stats support his first-round grade, but mechanics and off-the-field reputation issues have lowered his ceiling. As draft night approaches, Sanders' projection and destination are typical of a prospect whose success at the professional level will be determined by finding the right system and coaching to best unlock his potential. Whether he will be franchise cornerstone or project puzzle piece remains one of the draft's greatest enigmas.