Mel Kiper Jr. debates whether Shedeur Sanders could slide down in NFL Draft

Questions regarding Shedeur Sanders‘ draft stock in recent weeks have called into question whether the former Colorado star could slide down the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft later this month. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates can’t agree on Sanders’ stock, either.

Kiper Jr. has him going in the top five, while Yates appeared less enthusiastic about his potential as an NFL quarterback. On Monday’s episode of First Draft, Kiper Jr. gave Sanders his vote of confidence with a bold prediction for the son of Deion Sanders.

“Come on, man,” Kiper said to Yates. “16, Field? I mean, when you look at where he is on my board right now, he’ll be at No. 5, in that area in terms of the update that I do. I’ve kind of been steady and consistent with Shedeur Sanders all year. I’m at No. 5, you’re at 16, so you’re thinking he’ll be serviceable. He’ll be okay. You don’t see greatness with him … I think he can be a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in this league. I love Shedeur Sanders.”

In his collegiate career, Shedeur Sanders followed his father Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado. He spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, becoming one of the best and most discussed quarterbacks in the country. Sanders finished the 2024 season completing 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

Across his college career, Sanders has thrown for 14,318 career passing yard to go with 134 touchdowns. His completion percentage, as well as his career production, makes Yates believe Sanders can be a starter in the NFL one day.

“[Sanders’] accuracy is really good. He sees the field well. He’s extremely experienced,” Yates said. “He’s taking a million hits, he always bounces back up, and he always finds a way to keep on going.

“But the ball doesn’t fire out of Shedeur Sanders’ hands in the same way that it does other players and the number of sacks taken last year are certainly tied to the offensive line play in Colorado. I believe that wholeheartedly. I also think he needs to play more urgently in the pocket. That’s something where I don’t know that it happens overnight.”

When Sanders will hear his name remains to be seen. However, what is known is that the 2025 NFL Draft is set to be held from Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. By then, all questions will be answered.