Insiders address alleged slide of Shedeur Sanders' draft stock

The most interesting story from this year's NFL Scouting Combine involved Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders allegedly sliding down draft boards after he "hit the wrong notes in combine interviews" with some teams. 

On Friday, ESPN's Jordan Reid, Field Yates and Matt Miller indicated that clubs aren't as low on Sanders as some think.

Specifically, Reid noted that he's heard that the New York Jets' "No. 7 pick is still the floor for Sanders." Reid added that the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 and New York Giants at No. 3 are potential landing spots for the polarizing prospect. 

On March 17, Todd McShay of The Ringer hinted that the Browns would take Sanders if he fell to them at the second pick. 

Many within the NFL community are convinced the Tennessee Titans will select Miami's Cam Ward, the consensus top quarterback in his class, as the draft's first choice. Tennessee could also trade that selection to a quarterback-needy club for multiple assets. 

"I've asked sources from all over the NFL about the top quarterbacks," Yates shared. "Many view Ward as the clear-cut best option, and some have told me they'd be apprehensive about taking Sanders with a top-10 pick. But yes, several sources told me Sanders has a real shot to be a top-three selection. ...My stance is he's still the strongest candidate to be QB2 and is unlikely to fall out of the top 10-15 picks." 

Along with the Browns, Giants and Jets, the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 and New Orleans Saints at No. 9 are teams that could keep Sanders from falling into the double digits of the draft order. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. thinks the Saints could grab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, which suggests New Orleans would be in play for Sanders if he fell to the ninth pick. 

"I haven't heard any information about Sanders sliding from anyone employed by an NFL team," Miller said. He added that he doesn't believe Sanders would "slip" past the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall. 

The Steelers seemingly believe they won't be able to get Sanders, as Pittsburgh head Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth had dinner with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe this past Tuesday.