Shedeur Sanders Goes Undrafted Through First Three Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft: What Happened?

Every year, the NFL Draft delivers its share of surprises — but few were as shocking as Shedeur Sanders going undrafted through the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders, the dynamic Colorado quarterback and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was widely projected to be a first- or second-round pick. Yet, as the names kept rolling across the screen, his was notably absent.

So, what led to one of the most talked-about players in college football slipping through the cracks? Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Shedeur Sanders

Before diving into why Sanders is still waiting for his name to be called, it’s important to understand the context of his journey.

Shedeur Sanders burst onto the national scene in 2022 after transferring from Jackson State to Colorado, following his father’s high-profile move to take over the Buffaloes’ football program. From Day 1 at Colorado, Shedeur brought attention, swagger, and undeniable skill. He finished the 2023 season with impressive stats:

• 4,153 passing yards
• 34 touchdowns
• 7 interceptions
• Completion rate over 69%

Those numbers placed him among the top quarterbacks nationally. His poise, accuracy, and leadership were lauded by analysts. For many fans, he wasn’t just “Deion’s son” — he was a legitimate NFL prospect in his own right.

Pre-Draft Projections and Expectations

Coming into the 2025 draft season, many mock drafts had Shedeur pegged anywhere from late first round to early second. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as the fourth-best quarterback in the class. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. described him as “a smart, NFL-ready passer with a high ceiling.”

Given the NFL’s quarterback-hungry nature — teams are always searching for their next franchise leader — it seemed almost inevitable that Sanders would be scooped up early.

But football evaluations are rarely simple, and as the draft process unfolded, cracks in the consensus began to appear.

Factors Behind the Slide

1. Concerns Over Durability

Throughout the 2023 season, Sanders took a pounding behind a shaky Colorado offensive line. He was sacked an eye-popping 52 times — the most in the nation.

Scouts started questioning not just his pocket awareness but also his long-term durability. Could he withstand NFL-level pass rushers if he couldn’t consistently protect himself at the college level?

According to an anonymous AFC scout quoted by The Athletic:

“You love the arm and the intangibles, but the hits he’s taken are a real concern. His body has been through a lot, and he’s not built like a tank.”

2. Questions About Mobility

While Sanders showed good movement within the pocket, he isn’t considered an elite runner. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen extend plays with their legs, mobility has become a highly prized trait.

Sanders is more of a traditional passer — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it may have made some teams prioritize more dual-threat prospects like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy or LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier.

3. The Deion Factor?

While Deion Sanders’ charisma and star power brought enormous attention to Colorado, it may have been a double-edged sword for Shedeur.

Some insiders suggested teams worried about the “baggage” that could come with drafting him. Would there be added media scrutiny? Would Shedeur demand a level of control or special treatment because of his father’s stature?

Whether fair or not, perception plays a powerful role during draft evaluations.

4. Deep Quarterback Class

The 2025 draft is absolutely stacked with quarterback talent.

Names like Carson Beck (Georgia), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Quinn Ewers (Texas) flooded the top of the board. With so many intriguing options, teams may have simply opted for players they deemed safer or better scheme fits.

Expert Opinions: A Mixed Bag

NFL analysts were divided on Sanders’ stock even before draft day.

Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum said on ESPN:

“If you put Shedeur in a stable situation with a good offensive line, I think he’s a Day 1 starter. But you have to protect him. You can’t just throw him to the wolves.”

Meanwhile, former quarterback and analyst Chris Simms noted:

“The tape is good, but not great. He’s smart with the football but doesn’t have that ‘wow’ physical ability that top-10 picks usually have.”

These comments illustrate the core of the debate: is Shedeur a victim of situation and circumstance, or were teams simply wary of real flaws in his game?

What Happens Next for Shedeur Sanders?

Going undrafted through three rounds doesn’t mean disaster — but it does drastically change the narrative.

The fourth round still offers plenty of opportunity. Some notable quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins (4th round, 2012) and Dak Prescott (4th round, 2016) slipped to Day 3 and ended up having fantastic NFL careers.

There are still plenty of teams who need quarterback help — think of the Raiders, Saints, or Titans — and Sanders could be a steal for the right franchise.

The key now is fit. Shedeur needs a situation where he’s not rushed into starting behind a bad offensive line and where he can develop under an experienced coaching staff.

Final Thoughts: A Bump, Not the End

The NFL Draft is part art, part science, and part sheer luck. While it’s surprising to see Shedeur Sanders still waiting for his name to be called, it’s far from a death sentence for his career.

In many ways, this experience could fuel him even more. If Shedeur Sanders channels the disappointment into determination — much like his father did throughout his own legendary career — he could still end up being the biggest success story of the 2025 draft.

Stay tuned. This story is far from over.