The 2025 NFL Draft discussions are in full force, and the debate is about whether it’s quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward or Penn State Nittany Lions edge rusher Abdul Carter who should go higher in the draft.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates’ latest mock draft, Colorado’s Sanders was in the conversation to be among the first three overall picks, but that narrative has changed.
Field Yates Chooses Abdul Carter Over Shedeur Sanders in Latest NFL Mock Draft
While several analysts put Sanders as the projected No. 2 or 3 overall pick after Travis Hunter and Ward, Yates has named another contender for the No. 2 overall spot.
During his analysis, Yates picked Carter as the Cleveland Browns’ pick and heaped praise on the Penn State’s star’s abilities.
“As you know, Myles Garrett wants out, whether he stays or whether he goes. To me, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are in a tier of the top two players in this class. He had a wonderful season this past year, with 12 sacks. He was at his best when it mattered the most.
“He was dominant during Penn State’s run in the College Football Playoff. This guy has the best first-step quickness in a very deep edge class. This year, he had 12 sacks. That seems like what he could be doing on a regular basis in the NFL.”
.@FieldYates' NFL Mock Draft 3.0 has Abdul Carter going ahead of Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward 😯 pic.twitter.com/9fABUFTM9H
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 11, 2025
Yates picked Ward as the third overall pick for the New York Giants, making the choice between him and the Colorado quarterback. When talking about Sanders, Yates placed him at No. 6 overall for the Las Vegas Raiders, owing to his good relationships with minority owner Tom Brady.
“Shedeur Sanders lands with the Raiders. Of course, we know he already has a relationship with Tom Brady. There is a lot of respect there, but it goes way beyond that for the Raiders making this selection.”
Yates called Sanders the best pocket passer in this year’s draft class and appreciated his ball placement, knowledge of the field, and ability to find his receivers.
“Shedeur Sanders, the best pocket passer in this year’s track class, ball placement, accuracy, seeing the field and knowing where to throw the football to his receivers. That is what made sure Shedeur Sanders a prolific player for four seasons at both Colorado and Jackson State, the two stops serving his college football career.”
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Where is Sanders Drafted in PFSN’s Latest Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft released on February 11 by Owain Jones, Sanders is drafted by the New York Giants.
Jones says, “The Giants have seemingly developed a strong rapport with Shedeur Sanders after interviewing and spending time with him at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. The New York market appears to be a perfect fit for the Sanders brand, and the Giants are in desperate need of stability at the quarterback position.
With jobs on the line, this pick must be a quarterback if one of Sanders or Ward is on the board. Sanders has the skill set to effectively run an NFL offense in his rookie season. His game-manager play style contributes to impressive accuracy, the ability to make full-field reads, solid decision-making, and above-average athleticism.”