Sanders Snubbed: Not Among First-Round NFL Draft Selections

Once considered a potential first-round pick, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced an unexpected turn of events, going unselected in Thursday night’s NFL draft. Despite a stellar 2024 season and an FBS-record 71.8% career completion rate, Sanders will now await his fate as the draft continues into Friday’s second round.

In a social media video following the first round, Sanders appeared optimistic despite admitting his surprise. “We all didn’t expect this, of course,” he told supporters. “But I feel like with God, anything’s possible — everything’s possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All this is of course fuel to the fire. Under no circumstance — we all know this shouldn’t have happened. But we understand, we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”

The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, was a highly debated prospect leading up to the draft. His immense confidence and celebrity status further distinguished him. While the reasons for his slide remain unknown, Sanders has long acknowledged his unconventional profile. “You think I’m worried about what critics say or what people have to say,” he stated at the combine. “You know who my dad is? They hate on him, too.”

Sanders chose to spend draft night in Texas with family instead of attending the event in Green Bay, Wisconsin. However, the evening brought no celebratory news. Earlier in the day, he posted on X, “I’m built for whatever today may bring.”

Several moments during the first round seemed like potential landing spots for Sanders, but ultimately, teams went in different directions. The quarterback-needy Cleveland Browns opted for defensive tackle Mason Graham. The New Orleans Saints selected offensive tackle Kelvin Banks. The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite quarterback discussions, chose defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Even a trade back into the first round by the New York Giants resulted in the selection of quarterback Jaxson Dart instead of Sanders.

This series of events likely proved frustrating for Sanders, who had consistently voiced his belief in his top-tier prospect status. At the combine, he asserted his ability to transform any franchise that drafted him. “If that’s not what you’re trying to do, don’t [pick] me,” he declared. “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t [pick] me. You should know history repeats itself over and over and over, and I’ve done it over and over. So, it should be no question.” He further highlighted his and his father’s success in revitalizing the Jackson State and Colorado football programs.

Sanders now finds himself in a position similar to other quarterbacks who surprisingly fell out of the first round, such as Will Levis in 2023 and Geno Smith in 2013.

The Cleveland Browns hold the first pick of the second round (No. 33) and also the 36th overall selection, presenting two immediate opportunities for them to draft Sanders on Friday night. The New Orleans Saints (No. 40) also remain a potential destination. The Pittsburgh Steelers do not possess a second-round pick.