The 2025 National Football League (NFL) draft has concluded, and there was no shortage of storylines and shockers this year. This includes one of the most surprising draft underperformances in recent history and some of the top prospects who may well become household names in the next couple of years.
First, the biggest headline in this year’s draft is none other than Shedeur Sanders, quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes and son of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. The Sanders family saga has been very much in the public eye since Deion Sanders moved to coaching for Colorado, bringing Shedeur and his older brother Shilo from Jackson State University along with him. Deion Sanders, a former NFL and MLB player, rose to renewed stardom after making headlines for his antics and flashy personality, but also for bringing the Buffaloes back into the limelight after several painful seasons prior to his coaching career there.
Before the draft, Shedeur Sanders was seen by analysts anywhere from a top-five pick to a middle-of-the-pack second rounder. It was almost certain that he was heavily sought after by NFL scouts, even with several top quarterbacks like Cam Ward (the eventual number one pick overall) and Jaxson Dart in the running as well.
There were rumors before the draft that Shedeur Sanders had apparently performed poorly in interviews with NFL coaches, with reports that he had ranged from unprofessional to arrogant. Whether this was the reason for his slide or not, it cast doubt on his reliability to be the face of an NFL franchise.
Other analysts considered that Shedeur Sanders was perhaps overrated pre-draft, and that his slide was far from monumental in hindsight.
During the draft, the son of the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator allegedly prank-called Shedeur Sanders, claiming to be the general manager of the New Orleans Saints. The call was another painful moment for Shedeur Sanders, who had already suffered three rounds of watching other quarterbacks, many of whom were comparatively less talked up before the draft, get picked before him. The prank-caller allegedly found the phone number on his father’s work iPad, leading the NFL to fine both the defensive coordinator and the team itself.
Shedeur Sanders’ slide will go down in history as one of the most unexpected and historic moments in the NFL draft. However, he wasn’t the only QB to slide — in other words, miss expectations.
Quinn Ewers, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, also slid, eventually getting picked in the seventh round after being a top prospect. Ewers has occupied an awkward position at Texas: first-string player who is arguably overshadowed by his backup. His backup? Arch Manning, member of the dynastic Manning family (you may be familiar with Peyton and Eli Manning already). His signing with the Miami Dolphins was also a bit awkward because his rookie deal with the Dolphins will more-than-likely make him less money than name, image and likeness licensing deals with the Longhorns would award him.
Despite the negativity of these draft slides, there were heartwarming outcomes for many of the drafted players. Ashton Jeanty, dominant running back for the Boise State Broncos, was the sixth overall pick in the draft. Jeanty, a likeable player by many accounts, is a good look for establishing the long-overlooked Broncos in college football.
Grey Zabel, guard for the North Dakota State Bison, was signed to the Seattle Seahawks and subsequently celebrated so much in his household that they reportedly ran out of Busch Lights very quickly.
Cam Ward, the number one overall pick and quarterback from the Miami Hurricanes, has established himself as one of the most exciting players with large amounts of potential and also one of the most confident and respectable players coming into the league this year.
Over the next few years, it’ll be exciting to see which members of the 2025 NFL draft class will shake up the league after all. Maybe Shedeur Sanders will take over the Cleveland Browns’ offense in a crowded quarterback room, marking a massive comeback story after the disastrous draft. Time will tell.
