Shedeur Sanders’ college career is nearing its climax, pending an outing at the Alamo Bowl. His focus, as well as discourse regarding him, has now inadvertently pivoted towards April’s draft board. Shedeur is irrefutably going to be a Day 1 pick. However, the exact number where Roger Goodell will take his name is not set in stone. The consensus is that it will be right at the outset or thereabouts. One draftnik isn’t convinced that is the best route for franchises to walk. In fact, he thinks there are as many as 10 better prospects in his class.

Shedeur is widely considered the best QB in the 2025 class. His tangible traits as a physical specimen with amazing accuracy, combined with his intangibles, make him a potential franchise QB. Revered draft analyst Todd McShay thinks while Shedeur may well be the #1 pick, in a hypothetical world where the draft is based on quality and not position or team fit, Shedeur Sanders will be the #11.

Todd McShay unveiled his list of the 10 best prospects on his namesake YouTube Channel. Heisman-recipient Travis Hunter was no.1. He was followed by Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, respectively. Just as shocking as Shedeur’s verdict was Miami QB Cam Ward’s. McShay had him at #19. Neither signal-caller will slip that far in actuality, and that goes to show how valuable the position is.

The NFL Draft isn’t necessarily a meritocracy. It is certainly not a rundown of the best athletes in exact ascending order. Quarterbacks are given more onus towards the top, and understandably. Even if a linebacker, for instance, may 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 hierarchy.

That said, Todd McShay’s decree that Shedeur doesn’t merit a spot in the list of top 10 best prospects is still harsh. Some may even perceive it as blasphemous. But in a sport that at times entails more hypothesising than actual play, let’s add another wrinkle. Would franchises that are expected to have a high lottery pick be better off passing on Shedeur Sanders?

Looking past the allure of a franchise-saviour such as Shedeur Sanders

One franchise in particular that has been publicly courting Shedeur is the Las Vegas Raiders. The interest is reciprocated by the player, too. They’re widely expected to be in the mix for Shedeur come draft night. But there is a far-fetched yet tangible trail of thought which will suggest the Raiders should forgo drafting Shedeur in the top 3.

The issues at the Raiders run so deep that they could indulge in some acrobatics. There is a school of thought that the Raiders should trade back. This would allow them to draft multiple high-caliber picks. Filling out the supporting cast instead of going all-in on the quarterback. Then, draft a QB in the later rounds. Their multitude of issues means spreading their chips around in apt Las Vegas fashion could be a shrewd move.

Next year’s QB class is not as top-heavy as 2024, which saw the most quarterbacks picked in the first round ever. However, there is still talent poised to be available on Day 2 onwards. Whatever direction teams take, Shedeur can rest on his laurels for the most part. There isn’t a shortage of suitors. McShay or other draftnik’s skepticism doesn’t change the reality that quarterbacks are the most precious commodity in the game.