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“What the heck is going on?” - Shedeur Sanders’ shocking NFL draft slide raises serious questions

Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked major controversy. Once projected as an early-round pick, Sanders remains on the board while less proven quarterbacks were selected. Analysts and fans alike believe off-field narratives, not on-field performance, are fueling his fall leaving the football world demanding answers.
“What the heck is going on?” - Shedeur Sanders’ shocking NFL draft slide raises serious questions
Shedeur Sanders' NFL draft slide sparks outrage and speculation (Image via: Getty Images)
As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds, one quarterback’s continued absence from the board has left fans and analysts in disbelief. Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback from the University of Colorado, is one of the most surprising and talked-about prospects. Despite being a Heisman Trophy finalist and showing elite talent on the field, he remains undrafted as the third round approaches, prompting questions that go beyond his skill set.

Shedeur Sanders’ drop- Experts and fans question what went wrong



It’s rare to see a quarterback with Shedeur Sanders’ pedigree fall so far down the draft board. After a stellar college career, he was widely expected to be picked in the first two rounds, if not the first. However, by the time the third round began, Sanders was still available, leaving many to scratch their heads.
Analysts like ESPN’s Booger McFarland and Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt have voiced their confusion over the situation. McFarland pointed out that Sanders is arguably the best pure passer available, but somehow developmental quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel were selected ahead of him. Klatt, too, suggested that Sanders' drop might be more about "narratives" created around him during the pre-draft process than his actual on-field performance.
Experts aren't the only ones expressing frustration. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. called the whole situation "disgusting," as he had ranked Sanders as one of the top prospects. Even former President Donald Trump chimed in, defending Sanders and his extraordinary lineage, praising both Shedeur’s and his father Deion Sanders' talents and potential for greatness.

What’s really behind Shedeur Sanders' slide?


WTH IS GOING ON⁉ Stephen A. questions Shedeur Sanders slipping draft stock | First Take

So, why is Sanders still waiting to be picked? Theories abound, but many experts believe the answer may not lie solely in his performance on the field. Klatt and others argue that behind-the-scenes factors like personality clashes or simply bad luck in interviews could explain why teams have passed on Sanders despite his remarkable on-field success.
In any case, the situation seems to point to one thing that NFL teams are getting bogged down in pre-draft narratives, ignoring the real potential of Sanders as a quarterback. While it’s understandable that teams consider a variety of factors when selecting players, it's hard to argue that Sanders hasn't earned his shot.
Also Read: Craig Woodson: New England Patriots find defensive standout in 2025 NFL Draft
As the draft continues, the NFL world waits to see which team will take a chance on Shedeur Sanders and prove that talent truly does speak louder than rumors and assumptions. Fans and analysts alike are hoping that, despite the setbacks, Sanders will prove the doubters wrong in the coming seasons.
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