Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the First round of the 2025 NFL Draft leaving some people wondering about arm strength concerns, and what will be next for the quarterback from Colorado.
While Shedeur Sanders had impressive college stats, he ended up not getting picked in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams were reportedly concerned about his arm strength and did not select him. The slide raised significant questions about how Day 2 of the draft would shake out.
A Quarterback-Needy First Round — Without Sanders
Several teams entered the first round with a glaring need at quarterback. The New York Giants were among them and held the No. 3 overall pick. Analysts speculated they might go after Shedeur Sanders early or possibly trade back and pick him later. Instead, they chose a different route — and a different quarterback. After passing on Sanders at No. 3, the Giants traded up with the Houston Texans to grab Jaxson Dart at No. 25.
Other quarterback-needy teams — including the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers — opted for other players, whether offensive linemen, defensive talents, or different quarterbacks.
Although Shedeur Sanders likely didn’t hear his name called on Day 1, many scouts and analysts alike recognize him as a high-upside quarterback with exceptional leadership ability and the potential to prosper in the right offensive system. He demonstrates a calmness under pressure and a football IQ that has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL emerging quarterbacks. As teams shift their focus to Day 2 of the draft, Sanders is expected to be one of the top quarterback prospects still available. If he lands with a team that offers solid coaching and a supportive environment, there’s no doubt he could develop into a reliable starter and prove that being passed over in the first round was a mistake.
Arm Strength Concerns Cloud His Prospects
Rumors began circulating weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft about possible concerns regarding Shedeur Sanders’ arm strength. Though never substantiated with hard evidence, the buzz was enough to make teams nervous. Critics have stated that Sanders is very accurate but perhaps lacks the ability to throw deep under duress at the NFL level.
Deion Sanders defended his son, saying critics exaggerated concerns. Indeed, Shedeur’s college numbers are outstanding — over 14,000 passing yards, 134 touchdowns, just 27 interceptions, and a 70.1% completion rate across 50 games, plus 17 rushing touchdowns. He’s far more than just a pocket passer.
Still, NFL teams value arm strength, and even minor doubts can cause a draft slide.
Nonetheless, even minor reservations about arm strength, which the NFL places a fair amount of emphasis on, can lead to a draft slide.
Giants Go All In on Jaxson Dart
Instead of Shedeur Sanders, who the New York Giants took heavily linkd to in the weeks leading up to the draft, it became with the seventh-pick overall that the Giants selected Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, who threw for nearly 4,300 yards with 29 touchdowns and 6 interceptions with close to 70% accuracy in 2024 and a solid 2023 season too.
Brian Daboll, the Giants head coach, called Dart “mature, possessing great leadership and competitive drive,” and even the Club’s long-term strategic fit helped signal the reasons why Dart was the player they selected over Sanders.
Day 2: Resurgence Ahead?
Now, Shedeur Sanders headlines Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams like the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and even the Seattle Seahawks could be prime fits for him.
His draft slide could become a blessing. History proves that not being a first-round pick doesn’t preclude success — think Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Jalen Hurts.
The Broad View
Shedeur Sanders reminds us that NFL Draft evaluations go beyond stats. Mechanics, system fit, leadership, personality, and even family dynamics matter.
If drafted early on Day 2, Shedeur Sanders could enter the league with a chip on his shoulder — turning every team that passed on him into motivation. He has the skill and mindset to become one of the biggest NFL Draft steals in recent memory.