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Mike Greenberg Issues Warning Ahead Of The 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 10:12 AM ET

The NFL Draft is only two days away, and the football world is excited. Hype for the draft is set to reach a fever pitch over the next few days as players and teams finalize their selections - or plans to move up or down in the order.

The Tennessee Titans appear to be enamored with Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, but one prominent sports media voice says that his likely draft position does not guarantee success.

During Tuesday morning's episode of "Get Up," ESPN's Mike Greenberg noted that Shedeur Sanders could "slide" in the draft after not being taken with the top pick.

Greenberg said that fans may feel sorry for Sanders if he slips in the draft, but that another player deserves sympathy.

Here’s why we might all be feeling sorry for the wrong person on Thursday night. #NFLDraft @GetUpESPN pic.twitter.com/jHVmOyNtsX
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 21, 2025

"Recent history tells us that the best thing that can happen to a quarterback is to not be the first one selected in his class," he said, citing Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud as examples of players who found success. Both Daniels and Stroud were taken at No. 2 overall.

Greenberg mentioned Kenny Pickett, the first quarterback taken in the 2022 draft. Pickett is now on his third NFL team, while the literal final pick of that year's draft - Brock Purdy - has already played in one Super Bowl.

Greenberg also cited more statistics, noting that the last eight players to win MVP were quarterbacks, yet none were the first overall pick. The same can be said for all nine quarterbacks who played in the playoffs last season with their original team.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) passes the ball against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Nov. 9 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

"We wish nothing but success for Cam Ward," Greenberg said.

"Maybe he winds up like John Elway or Peyton Manning or Troy Aikman. All Hall of Famers who went at the top of the draft. All we're saying is don't feel sorry for the ones who come later. Because sometimes, that wait is the best thing that could possibly happen."

We'll see what the future holds for Ward, Sanders and the rest of this year's draft class. Fans can tune in to the draft starting Thursday with the first round on ESPN and the NFL Network.

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

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