Shedeur Sanders Falls to Day 2 of NFL Draft: What’s Next for the Star QB?

The NFL Draft’s first round came and went on Thursday night, and to the surprise of many fans and analysts, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not selected. After an impressive 2024 season and a record-setting college career, Sanders was expected to be a first-round pick. But instead of celebrating a new chapter in the NFL, he’s now waiting to hear his name called on Day 2 of the draft.

So, what went wrong? Why wasn’t he picked? And what can we expect in the second round?

Let’s break it all down.

Shedeur Sanders: A Look at His College Career

Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, made a name for himself in college football. Starting at Jackson State and then transferring to Colorado, Shedeur made a major impact at both programs.

His 2024 stats were incredible. He finished with the highest completion rate in FBS history—71.8%. He was also named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, proving he’s not just popular because of his last name. He’s a serious talent with real NFL potential.

Why the Fall?

There were plenty of teams in need of a quarterback on Thursday night, but none picked Sanders. It’s not clear why. He has the stats, the leadership, and the confidence that NFL teams look for.

Some believe his high-profile background and strong personality may have made teams hesitate. Sanders is not your typical quiet rookie. He’s confident, outspoken, and knows exactly what he wants.

At the NFL Combine, he made that very clear, saying:

“If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t pick me.”

That level of self-belief can be seen as a positive—or a red flag—depending on the team.

What Happened in the First Round?

Here’s a quick look at how the first round played out and why Sanders might’ve been left out:

Cleveland Browns, who needed a quarterback and had the No. 2 pick, went with Michigan DT Mason Graham instead.

New Orleans Saints, another team with QB uncertainty, picked OT Kelvin Banks from Texas at No. 9.

Pittsburgh Steelers, with no clear QB starter, passed on Sanders to draft DT Derrick Harmon from Oregon at No. 21.

New York Giants traded up to pick at No. 25 but chose QB Jaxson Dart from Mississippi, not Sanders.

Each time a pick was announced, fans and analysts waited for Sanders’ name—but it never came.

Sanders’ Reaction: Staying Positive

Despite the disappointment, Sanders kept a positive mindset.

In a video posted to social media, he said:

“We all didn’t expect this, of course… But I feel like with God, anything’s possible. Everything’s possible.”

Surrounded by family and friends in Texas—he chose not to attend the draft in Green Bay—Sanders remained calm and focused.

He added:

“Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”

It’s clear that he’s using this as motivation, saying the situation is just “fuel to the fire.”

History Repeats Itself?

This isn’t the first time a talented quarterback fell out of the first round.

In 2023, Will Levis was expected to be a top-10 pick but wasn’t selected until the second round by the Tennessee Titans.

In 2013, Geno Smith was also left out of Round 1 and picked by the New York Jets at No. 39.

Both players eventually made their mark in the NFL, and Shedeur Sanders could follow a similar path.

What Happens Now?

The second round begins Friday night, and Sanders is one of the biggest names still on the board.

Here are a few teams that could be a great fit:

Cleveland Browns have the first pick of Round 2 (No. 33) and also the 36th pick. They could easily grab Sanders and build their offense around him.

New Orleans Saints pick again at No. 40 and still need a young quarterback.

New York Giants, despite picking Jaxson Dart, may still have interest depending on how things play out.

One team that won’t be an option is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who don’t have a second-round pick this year.

What Makes Sanders Special?

Even though the first round didn’t go his way, Sanders still stands out for many reasons:

Leadership: He turned two college programs around—first Jackson State, then Colorado.

Accuracy: His record-breaking completion rate shows he’s reliable and precise.

Confidence: He believes in himself and isn’t afraid to lead a team.

Star Power: With his social media presence and famous family, Sanders is already a brand—something teams often look for.

As he said at the combine:

“You don’t think I could come to an NFL franchise and change the program again?”

Shedeur Sanders may not have been picked in the first round, but this is far from the end of his NFL journey. If anything, it’s just the beginning of a powerful comeback story. He’s a player with top-level talent, strong character, and the mindset to prove doubters wrong.

With Day 2 on the way, keep your eyes on the draft. Sanders’ name will be called soon—and when it is, the team that picks him might just get the steal of the draft.

Disclaimer

This content has been created by an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. While we strive to deliver accurate and reliable content, it may not always reflect the latest developments or expert opinions. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance and verify the information independently before making decisions based on this content.

This information is sourced from ESPN