Where Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders ends up going in the 2025 NFL draft has been one of the more debated topics of the college football offseason.
While Sanders himself is convinced he’s going first overall — the Tennessee Titans currently hold that pick but have stated they’re open to trading back and acquiring additional picks — scouts and draft analysts don’t seem to be as convinced.
If the Titans do hold onto that top pick, president of football operations Chad Brinker told reporters the team won’t “pass on a generational talent,” casting doubt on Sanders being the Titans’ target with the consensus being Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter are the only two players who fit that “generational” description.
Should Sanders slip past Tennessee, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. believes there’s one team that will go all-in to trade up for him. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Kiper explained why the Las Vegas Raiders could make a big play for the 22-year-old signal-caller.
“I’m interested to see one thing, and I almost did it [in my mock draft] — I’ll wait till April to do trades,” Kiper said. “I almost had the Raiders going up from six to two to get Shedeur Sanders ahead of the Giants. I think Tom Brady will see a little bit of himself in Shedeur. We know they have a relationship. I think Shedeur Sanders with the Raiders by moving up from six to two could be something in the cards, possibly.”
In his first mock draft of the offseason, Kiper has Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward going to the Titans No. 1 overall and Sanders, who completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, slipping to the New York Giants at No. 3.
Sanders has been linked to the Giants and Raiders by multiple reports over the last few weeks.
“[Sanders] could step in right away and lift the entire offense, including standout 2024 first-rounder Malik Nabers,” Kiper wrote. “Time is running out for GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll; they have to get this right.”
