Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback who entered the 2025 NFL draft with high expectations, experienced a shocking twist as the event unfolded. Fans were left stunned when he fell out of the top 10 picks, with the Chicago Bears surprising everyone by selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at the No. 10 spot instead.

The surprises continued when the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21, overlooking Sanders in the process. This unexpected turn of events had many spectators wondering if Sanders would even hear his name called on the first day of the draft.

Having been a popular choice for the Steelers leading up to the draft, Sanders’ absence from their selection raised eyebrows, especially given the team’s ongoing interest in acquiring veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which added an extra layer of intrigue to their quarterback strategy.

As if the tension couldn’t get any thicker, the New York Giants fueled the suspense by selecting quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25, further complicating Sanders’ chances. Nevertheless, Sanders boasts impressive college statistics, including 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns during his senior year at Colorado, showcasing his abilities as a top-tier prospect.

Ranked as the No. 23 overall prospect and the second-best quarterback in the 2025 draft class, Sanders has earned accolades for his passing skills. However, scouts have raised concerns regarding his mobility and his capability to navigate in the pocket under pressure.

There are notable comparisons to former NFL quarterback Geno Smith, highlighting Sanders’ necessity to thrive in a fast-paced offense. As the draft continues to take unexpected turns, Sanders is now up against fierce competition from other quarterbacks, such as Jalen Milroe from Alabama, for a prized position in the league.

While the draft unfolds, the future of Shedeur Sanders remains uncertain, yet his potential to emerge as a leading franchise quarterback is undeniable. It remains to be seen whether he can rise above the challenges ahead and carve out his place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.