Shedeur Sanders Snubbed in First Round of NFL Draft: Hype Meets Reality

Shedeur Sanders went into Thursday night’s NFL Draft with plenty of buzz, but walked out of the first round without hearing his name called. The Colorado quarterback, once considered nearly neck-and-neck with Cam Ward for the top QB spot, saw Ward taken first overall by the Tennessee Titans, leaving Sanders in an unexpected free fall.

As the night unraveled, it became clear that Sanders wasn’t high on many teams’ wish lists. The Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints both passed on quarterback options early, with Ashton Jeanty and Kelvin Banks Jr. going at picks six and nine. That’s when it became obvious that Sanders’ draft night wasn’t about to turn into a fairytale.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at pick 21, were the focus of attention for those hoping Sanders would be snatched up. But the Steelers chose Derrick Harmon instead, and the quarterback carousel kept spinning right past Sanders. Even when the New York Giants made a move to get back into the first round, they opted for Jaxson Dart, not the Colorado star.

Over in Los Angeles, the Rams—supposedly on the lookout for a successor to Matthew Stafford—also decided to pass, sealing the deal: no quarterback was taken after the Giants’ pick, and Sanders’ wait continues.

Adding to the drama, some brutally honest coach feedback surfaced earlier in the week, with one unnamed coach reportedly calling Sanders’ formal interview "the worst" and criticizing his attitude, decision-making, and even his body language. Ouch. It’s not every day you see a prospect’s confidence and public persona take as much of a hit as their draft stock.

Still, Sanders didn’t let the naysayers get him down—at least publicly. Hours before the draft, he posted, "I’m built for whatever today may bring." Now that’s the kind of confidence you need when the NFL’s biggest night turns into a test of patience.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns—still searching for a quarterback—kick off the second round. There’s a chance Sanders won’t have to wait much longer to find his new football home. But it’s hard to ignore how far he’s fallen from the top of the board.