2025 NFL Mock Draft: Shedeur Sanders' Stock Shift & Top Pick Predictions

The Latest NFL Mock Draft Consensus: Shedeur Sanders' Stock Takes a Slight Dip

As we inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, the buzz surrounding top prospects continues to evolve. One of the biggest names in this year's draft class, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has been a topic of heated debate. Once projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, recent reports suggest that his draft stock may have taken a slight hit due to some teams reportedly perceiving him as "arrogant" and "unprofessional" during NFL Scouting Combine meetings. But how much of an impact will this really have? We won’t know for sure until April 24 when the draft kicks off in Green Bay.

Sanders' Draft Projection Shifts Slightly

For the first time since we began tracking 2025 first-round mock draft trends, Sanders has slipped outside the top six selections. Just last week, he was the favored pick for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6, but now, mock drafts indicate that he could land with the New Orleans Saints at No. 9.

While this isn’t a dramatic fall, it does raise eyebrows among those closely following his draft trajectory. The good news? Not everyone sees him dropping. Some mock drafts still project him as a top-three selection, with the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 and the New York Giants at No. 3 still in play. Clearly, there’s still plenty of love for Sanders among draft analysts, despite the recent chatter about his attitude.

Free Agency Fallout and Team Needs

It’s worth noting that the shifting landscape of free agency has likely played a role in Sanders' draft positioning. The Raiders, who were once seen as a prime landing spot for the quarterback, addressed their needs by acquiring veteran Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks. This move allows them to focus on other areas, potentially eyeing Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty instead.

Other teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams, remain unpredictable in their approach. Various mock drafts suggest that the Rams could be a trade target at No. 26, with teams looking to secure their quarterback of the future. One intriguing scenario involves the Browns trading back into the first round to select Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Another mock draft even has the New York Jets making a move to grab ... you guessed it, Shedeur Sanders.

Who’s Going Where? The Latest Mock Draft Projections

Here’s a look at the latest first-round projections, according to the most recent mock drafts:

1. Tennessee Titans – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

2. Cleveland Browns – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

3. New York Giants – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

7. New York Jets – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

8. Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

9. New Orleans Saints – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

10. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

11. San Francisco 49ers – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

12. Dallas Cowboys – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

13. Miami Dolphins – Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

15. Atlanta Falcons – Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia

16. Arizona Cardinals – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

18. Seattle Seahawks – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

20. Denver Broncos – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

23. Green Bay Packers – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

24. Minnesota Vikings – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

25. Houston Texans – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

26. Los Angeles Rams – No consensus

27. Baltimore Ravens – Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State

28. Detroit Lions – Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

29. Washington Commanders – Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

30. Buffalo Bills – Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

32. Philadelphia Eagles – James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

What’s Next for Sanders?

The upcoming Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, will be a golden opportunity for Sanders to reaffirm his status as one of the draft’s premier quarterbacks. He, alongside fellow Colorado star Travis Hunter, will have the chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts and decision-makers. A strong performance could silence some of the doubts that have emerged in recent weeks.

While Sanders’ slip in the mock drafts might raise concerns, it’s far from a free fall. The draft is unpredictable, and last-minute trades, team needs, and individual performances at Pro Days could shift projections yet again. One thing’s for sure—come April 24, all eyes will be on where Shedeur Sanders ultimately lands.