Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft: QB Goes Unpicked in First Round

The Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft story took a surprising twist when the Colorado quarterback went unselected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Known for his elite passing accuracy and strong personality, Sanders watched as team after team passed on him Thursday night.

Despite a standout college career and being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Sanders was not among the 32 players picked on opening night. Many had pegged him as a potential late first-rounder, but he’ll now have to wait for Day 2.

Why Shedeur Sanders Was a First-Round Wild Card

There were high expectations for Sanders going into the draft. He set a record with a 71.8% career completion rate and led Colorado through a major program shift with his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, as head coach. But the NFL is unpredictable, and quarterback prospects often slide.

Several moments throughout the night had fans thinking Sanders might be next:

• Cleveland Browns passed on a QB and selected a defensive tackle.
• New Orleans Saints, needing a quarterback, chose an offensive lineman.
• Pittsburgh Steelers picked defense instead of offense at No. 21.
• New York Giants traded back into the round, but took a different QB, Jaxson Dart.

As teams made their picks, Sanders stayed home in Texas, surrounded by family and supporters. Earlier that day, he posted on X: “I’m built for whatever today may bring.”

What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft

His fall isn’t unprecedented. Quarterbacks like Will Levis in 2023 and Geno Smith in 2013 were also expected to go earlier but dropped into Day 2.

Teams with early second-round picks include:

• Cleveland Browns (No. 33 and 36)
• New Orleans Saints (No. 40)

Sanders has never lacked confidence. Speaking at the NFL Combine, he said, “If you ain’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t pick me.”

He also emphasized the history he and his father made at Jackson State and Colorado: “So, you don’t think I could come to an NFL franchise and change the program again?”

The second round will test that belief, and another chapter in the Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft journey begins Friday night.

More…

• https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44844500/shedeur-sanders-not-selected-first-round-nfl-draft
• https://www.jaguars.com/video/k000239-jaguars-select-travis-hunter-with-no-2-pick-in-2025-draft
• https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/adam-schefter-shedeur-sanders-qb-situation-nfl-draft/article_e6850ca8-bc2a-49df-badf-8d6563ac2c88.html