The anticipation surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is steadily building, with several teams eyeing the chance to claim the coveted No. 1 overall pick. Yet, even as the countdown continues, there remains considerable uncertainty about who will be the first name called.
The No. 1 pick, traditionally a quarterback, has a long history of fueling debates among fans and analysts alike. This year, the spotlight is shining on multiple candidates, but one name seems to be gaining more traction than others, even if the situation is anything but straightforward.
Shedeur Sanders surprises everyone at her unexpected meeting with Mark Davis
According to a recent ESPN poll of 20 NFL scouts and executives, Colorado’s star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is emerging as the frontrunner. Sanders led the poll with nine votes, standing out among his competition, although the consensus is far from unanimous. Hot on his heels are Georgia’s Carson Beck with five votes and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, who garnered four votes. Miami’s Cam Ward and Texas junior Quinn Ewers also received mentions, each picking up a solitary vote.
However, despite Sanders leading the poll, there are still lingering doubts about his readiness. As one NFL executive bluntly put it, “Definitely a strange year. Obviously need to see more.” It appears that questions about Sanders’ ability to transition smoothly to the pro level remain open, particularly after some up-and-down performances this season.
Those mixed opinions were also voiced by an NFC scout familiar with Colorado‘s games. Reflecting on Sanders’ struggle against a formidable Oregon defense, the scout noted, “Watching that Oregon game, he didn’t have a chance behind that group. There are some things that come with him, but I believe he has a chance to be special if he matures in some areas.” It’s clear that, while Sanders’ talent is recognized, scouts are divided on whether he can perform consistently at the next level, especially under pressure.
Another scout from an AFC team also weighed in, drawing attention to Sanders’ poise during those rare moments when his offensive line provided sufficient protection. “When they actually protected him, you just simply can’t teach the poise that that kid plays with. They crumbled after those first few games, but in those first games, Shedeur showed that he’s capable of operating at a high level when he has time,” the scout explained.
NFL scouts are considering one huge factor about Shedeur
Intriguingly, it isn’t just Sanders’ performance that has NFL insiders buzzing-it’s also where he might be willing to go. His father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, reportedly has specific preferences regarding potential landing spots for both his son and Travis Hunter, Colorado’s standout two-way player. The elder Sanders has been vocal about his aspirations for his players, sparking speculation about which NFL teams might fit the bill.
As the season continues, it’s clear that Shedeur Sanders has plenty to prove. Despite his strong start and growing acclaim, questions of consistency, the ability to handle adversity, and his ultimate destination in the NFL remain topics of debate. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory-and with Sanders in the mix, anything could happen.
