The NFL Draft isn’t necessarily a meritocracy. It is certainly not an exact rundown of the best players in ascending order. Quarterbacks are given more onus towards the top, and understandably. That’s the centerpiece of your franchise, the crown jewel. Even if, say, a linebacker is perceived to be better than the entire field, their position in the pecking order may not be in accordance with their talent. QBs will always get a slight bump up the draft board. Two factors are working in conjunction to deplete Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock. Him not partaking in drills at the Combine, as well as QB-needy franchises filing their void in free agency and via trades. Even franchises Shedeur has been linked to incessantly. That said, being a QB, he can only fall so far. An alternative route into the NFL is transpiring for Shedeur Sanders.

It’s easy to forget that Patrick Mahomes was a backup through his first year in the league. When he stepped into the starting role under center, he was elite from the jump. This was because he had a grace period to hone his skills and adapt to the NFL. Mahomes walked into a program with Andy Reid at the helm. He deputized and learned the ropes behind Alex Smith, a former no.1 overall pick and 3x Pro Bowler. These two were huge factors in why Mahomes hit the ground running when he became a starter. Drafting a QB for them to “redshirt” is a recipe that has worked. An NFC General Manager, as well as an AFC front office executive, believes a team that’s been in the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes all along the process but seemingly exited didn’t exit after all. They could pursue a Mahomes-esque plan of patient development.

Over on IG, Yahoo Sports and Rivals made a collaborative post. It relays quotes from anonymous NFL personnel about their thoughts on Shedeur Sanders. The most intriguing aspect of these quotes was the theme that the Las Vegas Raiders could yet draft him #6 overall. The Raiders have just traded for Geno Smith, mind you. Although the aforementioned GM implied this move for the veteran is a short-term fix, Shedeur remains a target. If not as a developmental project, then as a contingency plan. “Just because they traded for Geno Smith…You can’t be certain the Raiders won’t draft Sanders with the 6th overall pick, said the anonymous NFC GM. “[To] set their quarterback table the same way the Falcons did last season.”  This already alarming take only scratched the surface of what was said.

The Atlanta Falcons caused pandemonium on draft night 2024 when they picked Michael Penix Jr. in round 1. It was one of the most shocking picks in recent memory. Not because Penix didn’t command a round 1 grade. But because the Falcons just signed Kirk Cousins to a multi-year deal with massive money. Well, it turned out Cousins never fully recovered from tearing his Achilles the season prior. He was a shadow of himself, and Penix eventually replaced him as the starter. The Falcons made a bad business decision giving Kirk all that dough, but at least they had a capable rookie to avoid catastrophe. Are the Raiders tearing a leaf out of this book? More people seem to concur with that sentiment.

“I wouldn’t cross the Raiders off yet. Let’s see what happens between now and the draft,” said an AFC executive about Shedeur Sanders. It does seem far-fetched and could well be smoke and mirrors. But Shedeur and the Raiders have history. Shedeur Sanders posted a video of Allegiant Stadium to IG and called it “legendary” during a recent trip to Sin City. Ever since their move from Oakland, the franchise has been yearning for their next “face of the franchise.” Maxx Crosby can only sell so many shirts as a D-lineman. Tom Brady, who has mentored and trained Shedeur in the past, has bought ownership of the team and is spearheading football operations. This wrinkle means the Raiders will remain a possibility right to the end. That is, if they even rate him.

Shedeur Sanders also found himself on the receiving end of a scathing take by an anonymous NFL “evaluator.” One who didn’t mince their words whatsoever. Calling both him and his closest QB contemporary in the draft, Cam Ward, “overrated,” among other elaborate remarks.

Shedeur Sanders & Cam Ward assessed as ‘The blind leading the blind’

Cam Ward ended his collegiate career with over 18k yards. The Heisman finalist has more than earned the right to tussle with Shedeur Sanders right atop Roger Goodell’s board. He’s expected to be a top 5 pick. Conservatively, that is. Almost every draftnik and analyst is in agreement that Cam Ward is QB1 in this class. While Shedeur Sanders is QB2. Parallely, everyone is also in consensus agreement that the quarterback class is relatively weak overall. More akin to 2022 than 2024, with Kenny Pickett being the first quarterback picked yet going 20th overall. Last year saw 6, including the aforementioned Penix, go in the Top 12 for context. Well, Cam Ward better get his best cleats on. Because he’s standing on very slippery ground right now. Same as Shedeur Sanders.

“People act like there’s a gulf between Ward, Shedeur, and the rest [of the QBs]. In truth, Ward is overrated as well,” said the unnamed NFL evaluator. The “as well” resonates particularly loudly. This feeds into the notion that Shedeur, or Cam, could get drafted high. But to sit and develop. Seen across the league as unprepared to be a starter, with potential. The same evaluator also said, “I could see [Shedeur Sanders] going Top 10 and also see him falling out of the first round.” Not throwing at the Combine kept this mystique up, but it also put pressure on the QBs to perform at their respective Pro Days. 

Both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward can rest on their laurels for the most part. There isn’t a shortage of suitors. But the franchise you’re drafted by is a line in the sand for your career trajectory. A stable environment conducive to your development is vital. Especially for a malleable QB with room for development and the weight of immense expectation. Shedeur and Cam need to be wary of certain franchises, but it’s not like they can help it. Wherever they land, Jaden Daniels has set the bar high for rookie seasons. Following on from him is not an enviable task. If they even get the opportunity as rookies, that is. The Mahomes “redshirt” route has been smashed wide open.