The biggest talking point of the 2025 NFL draft so far is not about any of the players, any of the picks, or any of the trades, but about Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders being snubbed out of all three rounds, and where he could possibly end up. But with time running out for the second ranked QB, here are the only two teams who are realistically going to take their pick at Shedeur Sanders.
The Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders entire draft build up was all talk around Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty who they eventually selected at sixth overall, but one position which they were tipped to take a shot at was the quarterback position, and only two names were on the Raiders shortlist.
The Raiders already picked up their quarterback for the next few years in former Seahawks QB Geno Smith, but with a number of QBs tipped to drop in this year's draft, Vegas were one of the teams who were linked with both Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
With Seattle taking Milore in round three, and Sanders dropping into day three, the Raiders could make a punt at the rapidly falling misfit, and could have their future quarterback on lock. With a number of picks left in their hands, Vegas will definitely consider Sanders’ situation, but with the attitude and character problems along with his decision to skip the combine, Sanders’ impressions on Pete Caroll and the Raiders front office may mean hios chances to be a Raider could be slim.
But with some key positions filled in the early rounds, and a player of Sanders’ potential still available, had they decide to take a quarterback this year for the future, a player like Sanders may be what they are looking for.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
The other team who will be keeping a keen eye on Sanders’ situation in round four and maybe even in round five is Mike Tomlin and the quarterbackless Steelers. The Steelers were heavily anticipated to take Sanders off the board at number 21, but decided to take an alternative route, but after passing on Sanders in round three, they may cash in on their patience, and fill a much needed spot with Sanders.
With only two quarterbacks in the locker room, none being anywhere near a QB1, and a lack of good QBs left in the free agency market, Sanders is a clear answer for the Steelers, and could easily spend a pick on him in the fourth or fifth had he fallen that low. But similarly to the Raiders, first impressions are the number one priority for coaches like Caroll and Tomlin, and Shedeur may just not be the right guy for them going forward.
Differently to Las Vegas, Sanders would definitely be the starter in Pittsburgh, but it is whether his characteristics, and attitude is made for Steelers football. It is without a doubt that Sanders has the talent, and would be a great option for the Steelers in this time of need, but with some great players all over the field still on the board, Tomlin and his Steelers may feel like Sanders isn't a priority, and could see him as a last ditch option.
But with New Orleans, Cleveland, and both Pittsburgh and Las Vegas already avoiding Sanders on multiple occasions, taking their desires elsewhere, Sanders has definitely not made the best impression, and although teams are still in need of quarterbacks, despite being one of the best prospects in the draft, he may still find him as the last option in a draft campaign he could never had imagined.
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