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Mel Kiper Jr. Gets Honest About Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Status

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 12:53 PM ET

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is one of the top prospects going into the 2025 NFL Draft.

It's been widely expected that he will be selected in the top five of the first round on April 24, especially since the New York Giants have been very connected to him. They already have three quarterbacks on the roster but could add Sanders since none of the three (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Tommy DeVito) are signed long-term.

The Cleveland Browns have also been connected to Sanders, who have the second overall pick, but they may roll with Kenny Pickett as their starter for the 2025 season.

There has been some talk about Sanders sliding if the Browns and Giants pass on him but ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks a team would be elated to get him if he is still there after the top five.

"If you want the best opportunity to get a quarterback, based on the numbers, that’s in the top five of the draft," Kiper Jr. said, via On3. "Now, that sliding quarterback, we have had eight. According to my rankings and my mocks that I’ve had going back to 1970, six of those eight were big hits. Two were busts — that was Jimmy Clausen and Brady Quinn, the two (former) Notre Dame quarterbacks. So, if Shedeur does slide, it bodes pretty well for him and the team that drafts him."

Sanders was one of the top quarterbacks in the country during the 2024 college football season, finishing with 4,134 yards through the air, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He helped Colorado win nine games and get to a bowl game.

Even if he makes it out of the top five, there's no way he gets out of the first round on April 24.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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