With multiple quarterback-needy teams sitting atop the 2025 NFL Draft, former Colorado Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing prospects.
And according to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, there’s one team that would be an ideal landing spot: the Las Vegas Raiders.
In an ESPN mock draft released this week, Field Yates projected the Raiders to select Sanders with the No. 6 overall pick, making him the second quarterback off the board behind Cam Ward, who Yates slotted to the New York Giants at No. 3.
Yates joined an ESPN panel to discuss his projections, where Reid strongly endorsed the idea of Sanders heading to Las Vegas.
“I think it’s a perfect fit,” Reid said. “Just because when we’re talking about the Tom Brady and the Shedeur Sanders connection, that’s an obvious one.”
The Brady-Sanders connection has been well-documented.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who now holds a minority ownership stake in the Raiders, has been a mentor to Sanders, which could make Las Vegas an attractive destination for the young quarterback.
Reid also pointed to new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who, at 73 years old, isn’t looking to oversee a slow rebuild.
“[Las Vegas] needs a quarterback desperately, and Shedeur Sanders is the type of player that I think, of all the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, is the most polished passer in this year’s group and has a chance to be the best in Year 1 right away just because of how well he sees the field,” Reid said.
“A 74 completion percentage a season ago, which was the best in the country. He has a skill set that translates right away on the next level.”
While Reid views Sanders as a strong fit, NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. added a layer of uncertainty, wondering if the Raiders might pursue veteran quarterback Sam Darnold instead and use their first-round pick on another position.
There are also rumblings that the Raiders could possibly be interested in Aaron Rodgers.
Of course, there are many analysts who think Sanders might be gone by the time the Raiders pick. However, they could always trade up if he is indeed their guy.
In a video posted on his brother Deion Jr.’s Well Off Media YouTube channel, Shedeur revealed that he has upcoming pre-draft visits with the Giants and Cleveland Browns – teams picking ahead of the Raiders.
Opinions vary greatly on Sanders and all of the quarterbacks in this class for that matter.
Having said that, Sanders and the Raiders haven’t exactly been secretive about their mutual admiration for each other.
What are your thoughts that Vegas could snag Sanders – either at No. 6 or perhaps earlier via a trade up???
