Analyst names rumored landing spot as best fit for QB Shedeur Sanders

As of the second Monday of April, how far Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could slide down the 2025 NFL Draft order remained a mystery to outsiders amid numerous criticisms of his arm strength and other athletic traits. 

For an article published on Monday morning, Derrik Klassen of The Athletic explained why learning under first-year New Orleans Saints head coach and advertised offensive guru Kellen Moore could prove to be the best fit for Sanders.

"The idea of Sanders being Kellen Moore’s first crack at a quarterback is intriguing," Klassen wrote. "Sanders is at his best operating spread passing concepts, especially in the underneath area. He’s a reliable short-area passer who uses the intermediate and deeper areas of the field to keep defenses honest, rather than making those his preferred areas of attack. That’s perfectly fine for a West Coast-inspired offense."

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. is among those who previously linked Sanders with the Saints at overall pick No. 9 of the upcoming draft, in part because "playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns" regarding the polarizing prospect. 

That was before a report suggested the Saints are one of three teams Sanders hopes to join later in April and before it was learned that New Orleans QB1 Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for at least a portion of the 2025 season.

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Saints as the betting favorites at -110 odds to draft Sanders. However, Klassen noted that the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) "may feel the itch of desperation and draft Sanders" regardless of his alleged wishes. 

"Finding Sanders’ best fit was trickier than I anticipated," Klassen added. "Kevin Stefanski’s downfield play-action offense in Cleveland is not ideal. Brian Daboll’s quicker passing attack in New York might make sense, but that offensive line is a sieve, and Sanders is not athletic enough to tap into some of the best parts of Daboll’s playbook."

The Browns, Giants, New England Patriots (No. 4), Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6), New York Jets (No. 7) and Carolina Panthers (No. 8) are all expected to pass on Sanders. Unless a club such as the Pittsburgh Steelers leapfrogs the Saints in the draft order to grab Sanders, he could soon call New Orleans home.