Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are widely regarded as the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but could one of them slide significantly on draft night? At least one analyst believes it’s a possibility.
In his latest mock draft released Tuesday, Dane Brugler of The Athletic made a stunning prediction—one that could reshape the quarterback narrative heading into the draft. Brugler has the New York Giants trading up to the No. 1 overall pick to select Cam Ward, which isn’t entirely shocking given their ongoing search for a franchise quarterback. However, what happens next in his scenario is what caught everyone’s attention.
Rather than having Sanders taken shortly after Ward, Brugler has the Colorado star dropping all the way to No. 21, where he is projected to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why Would Sanders Slip?
The reasoning behind this bold projection is that some NFL teams reportedly view Sanders as more of a Day 2 prospect rather than a guaranteed first-round talent. Brugler explained the rationale in his analysis:
“Sanders is going to be a wild card in this draft. He could go in the top six or fall out of the first round entirely — and neither outcome would be a shock. He is not a first-round quarterback for a lot of NFL teams, which isn’t a major surprise (and matches my evaluation). But all it takes is one front office to roll the dice on his skill set.”
This assessment suggests that, while Sanders possesses the talent and upside to be a high pick, concerns over certain aspects of his game—such as decision-making, pocket presence, or system fit—could lead some teams to hesitate in investing an early first-round selection on him.
NFL’s Quarterback Market Could Disrupt Predictions
While it’s not unprecedented for a highly touted quarterback to slip in the draft, it remains highly unlikely given how teams prioritize the position.
Last year’s 2024 quarterback class was loaded with talent, featuring five quarterbacks taken in the top 10 and six in the first round. The 2025 class, however, isn’t nearly as deep, which theoretically should increase the demand for a quarterback like Sanders.
Historically, NFL teams are more likely to reach for a quarterback rather than wait patiently, making a significant fall less probable.
There is also the possibility that negative reports about Sanders’ draft stock are being strategically leaked. It’s not uncommon for teams that are high on a player to spread doubt about his value in order to keep rival franchises from selecting him.
RELATED: NFL Draft Buzz: Concerns Mount Over Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward as Top QB Prospects
Unpredictability in the 2025 QB Class
Adding another layer to the intrigue, there are reports that another quarterback prospect could rise significantly in the draft, potentially disrupting where both Ward and Sanders land. With nearly two months left before the draft, speculation is only beginning to heat up, and more surprises are sure to emerge.
For now, Sanders’ draft range remains a mystery, but if Brugler’s prediction holds any weight, fans could be in for a shocking shake-up on draft night.
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