Once considered a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is experiencing a dramatic slide in draft stock that has caught the attention of league insiders.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sanders’ value has dipped so sharply that teams once eyeing him are now pivoting to other options.
“It feels like (Browns’) ownership has even spent a lot of time with Abdul Carter,” Schefter said. “It feels like, more and more, Abdul Carter could be paired opposite Myles Garrett to give the Browns the most feared pass-rushing tandem in the National Football League.”
Among the franchises now rethinking their plans are the Cleveland Browns, who hold the No. 2 overall pick.
Though quarterback remains a glaring need, Schefter reported the organization is shifting its focus toward the defensive side of the ball – specifically Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.
Schefter went as far as to say Cleveland is “moving off” Sanders entirely, signaling a major pivot just weeks before the draft.
But the Browns aren’t the only team reconsidering their strategy. The New York Giants, who pick right after Cleveland at No. 3, are also likely to pass on Sanders, according to Schefter.
Instead, they’ve set their sights on one of Sanders’ college teammates: two-way phenom Travis Hunter.
“It feels more and more like Cam Ward one, Abdul Carter two, maybe Travis Hunter three,” Schefter revealed. “But again, three weeks to go, and a lot can change in those weeks.”
The Giants sent virtually everyone in their organization to Colorado’s Pro Day last Friday, further fueling speculation that Hunter could be as strong of an option as Sanders.
Schefter added that the Giants have done exhaustive homework on Sanders throughout the pre-draft process but may ultimately pass on selecting him.
“I don’t know if there’s a team out there that’s spent any more time scouting, digging into, being around Shedeur Sanders this year than the New York Giants,” Schefter said. “They know everything that they need to know, good and bad, about Shedeur Sanders.”
Despite Sanders’ production under center for Colorado, doubts remain about whether his skill set justifies a top-10 pick.
If the New Orleans Saints decide to go in another direction at No. 9, there’s growing concern Sanders could slide deep into the first round – or even fall out of it entirely.
The consensus among evaluators seems to be that while Sanders has the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback, his draft value does not match the urgency many quarterback-needy teams feel at the top of the draft.
With the draft rapidly approaching, where do you stand on Sanders???
