Mel Kiper Jr. predicts how far QB Shedeur Sanders could slide during 2025 NFL Draft

As recently as Monday, noteworthy members of the football community suggested that Shedeur Sanders could drop down to the 20s of the 2025 NFL Draft order, even though Sanders is widely viewed as the second-best quarterback of this year's class behind only Miami's Cam Ward.

In his latest mock draft published on Tuesday morning, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted that the New Orleans Saints will grab Sanders with the draft's ninth overall pick.

"If Sanders doesn't go to the [New York Giants at pick No. 3]," Kiper said, "there aren't many clear landing spots for him in the top 10 ... and he could slide. I could see a team trading up for him -- maybe even the Saints, who have nine picks -- but most of these rosters are already set at quarterback. This is a great outcome for New Orleans, though. I like this match a lot."

Also on Tuesday, Giants reporter Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic noted that it now feels "less likely" the club will spend pick No. 3 on Sanders. For that same piece, Cleveland Browns insider Zac Jackson said that "there’s almost no chance the Browns are taking a quarterback at No. 2." 

As for New Orleans, current starting quarterback Derek Carr reportedly "was open to looking elsewhere before the Saints restructured his contract" this offseason. It seems those two parties are headed toward a divorce that could be finalized at any point between this summer and next offseason. 

Meanwhile, Sanders' draft stock was a moving target even before he failed to impress some onlookers during his Colorado pro day workout. Analysts have repeatedly mentioned since the winter months that neither Ward nor Sanders should have first-round grades. 

The Tennessee Titans are expected to make Ward the draft's first pick on April 24. 

"Sanders is my top-ranked quarterback, and his accuracy jumps off the tape. He completed 74% of his throws last season despite being under constant pressure," Kiper added. "Playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns. And he wouldn't be forced to play right away. Derek Carr, 34, will be with the Saints for at least another season."

It's unknown how Carr, who said following the 2024 season that he wouldn't take a pay cut to help the Saints out, would feel about the club drafting his eventual replacement later in April. If nothing else, it sounds like the offseason saga involving Carr and the Saints is far from over.