As the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft ends, all eyes now shift to Day 2 — especially on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who surprisingly remains undrafted.
The first 32 picks brought plenty of drama, trades and unexpected decisions. But one of the biggest talking points is the fall of Shedeur Sanders — a quarterback many expected to be snapped up on Day 1. So, what happened? And what’s next for Sanders as Rounds 2 and 3 approach?
Let’s break it all down.
Shedeur Sanders Still Available: What’s Going On?
A Surprise Fall from Round 1
Shedeur Sanders was widely seen as a first-round talent.
Yet, he wasn’t selected on Thursday night — a surprise for many fans and analysts.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shed some light on why this might not be as shocking as it seems.
“There was only one surefire starting QB in terms of profile — Cam Ward,” said Pelissero on Good Morning Football. “The others, including Sanders, were always borderline first- or second-rounders.”
What Do Teams Really Want in a Quarterback?
Pelissero explained that the NFL’s decision-makers often see things differently from the media and mock draft creators. Teams are looking for specific traits, and that varies widely.
Here’s how Shedeur Sanders compares:
Strengths: Strong arm, good college production, leadership.
Challenges:
Needs to release the ball faster.
Tends to take too many sacks.
Must adjust to NFL speed and schemes.
Why the Giants Picked Jaxson Dart Instead
The New York Giants traded up and chose Jaxson Dart, not Sanders.
According to Pelissero:
Dart fits the Giants’ offensive style better.
He’s more suited to RPOs (run-pass options) and read options.
Sanders’ game needs a team with a clear development plan.
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
Still a Top Prospect on the Board
Sanders is currently No. 3 on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 150 prospects list.
He’s expected to be picked sometime in Rounds 2 or 3.
Pelissero believes up to six quarterbacks, including Sanders, could be drafted tonight.
Possible Destinations
Here are the teams to watch on Day 2:
Cleveland Browns
Have multiple second-round picks.
Still looking for a young quarterback behind Deshaun Watson.
New Orleans Saints
High in Round 2.
Could be planning for the future beyond Derek Carr.
Pittsburgh Steelers
No second-round pick, but they do have a third-rounder.
Could be Sanders’ floor (lowest landing spot).
“His opportunity is coming,” said Pelissero. “But teams are evaluating what kind of NFL player he can become — not just what he did in college.”
Other Big Storylines to Watch Tonight
Travis Hunter’s Unique Role in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a big move by trading up to the No. 2 overall pick.
They selected Travis Hunter, a rare two-way player.
Plays as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.
Pelissero reports that:
The Jaguars will start him at wide receiver.
He’ll also join defensive back meetings and could play both sides of the ball as the season develops.
This creative move could shake things up in Jacksonville and give fans plenty to watch.
When to Tune In
Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft begin:
7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Live coverage on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC
Final Thoughts
While Round 1 didn’t go as expected for Shedeur Sanders, there’s still plenty of time for him to find the right NFL team. His talent is clear — now it’s just a matter of fit and opportunity. As teams look to build depth and plan for the future, Sanders could still emerge as one of the most impactful picks of the entire draft.
Stay tuned as the second night of the draft unfolds — and expect more surprises along the way!
Sources:
NFL Network – Good Morning Football (25 April 2025)
Daniel Jeremiah’s 2025 Top 150 NFL Draft Prospects
ESPN Draft Tracker