Analyst predicts how far QB Shedeur Sanders could slide during 2025 NFL Draft

Coming off Colorado's pro day workouts, numerous reporters and analysts have suggested that it's now more likely the Cleveland Browns will take wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter instead of quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the second pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

For his latest mock draft posted on Monday morning, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner predicted that Sanders will take "a tumble" down the draft order on April 24 until the Pittsburgh Steelers grab him with the 21st overall selection. 

"Even if Pittsburgh signs Aaron Rodgers," Baumgardner wrote, "and even if Rodgers has some gas left in the tank we simply haven’t seen over the past three years, the Steelers have to devise a long-term plan for the most important position on the field. I cannot get there on Sanders as a top-10 pick, and I don’t think he’s ready to help fix a truly bad team. He’ll be a much better fit if he lands somewhere that can give him a supporting cast."

Sanders' draft stock has been a moving target throughout the spring amid questions about his physical limitations and after it was reported that he "hit the wrong notes" in interviews with some teams during the NFL Scouting Combine. While some believe the New York Giants will take Sanders at pick No. 3, reporters such as Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com have mentioned that a team such as the Browns or Giants could trade back into the first round to pair Sanders with Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter.

Sanders has a relationship with Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, and the Raiders handing Geno Smith a contract extension may not keep the club from grabbing Sanders at pick No. 6. As recently as Sunday, Browns reporter Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand hinted that the New Orleans Saints could take Sanders at No. 9.

The Indianapolis Colts (pick No. 14) and Seattle Seahawks (No. 18) are among clubs that theoretically could keep Sanders from falling to the Steelers. However, some believe Pittsburgh could trade up in the draft order to avoid missing out on the polarizing prospect.

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Saints as the betting favorites at +300 odds to draft Sanders. The Giants were second on the list at +350 odds, followed by the Browns at +425.