Pairing college prospects with potential NFL teams is a pastime for fans, so the football world is wondering where Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders will get drafted in April’s NFL Draft. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys are rumored as emerging as candidates to pick him, albeit with a wide range of probabilities.
However, drafting Sanders could get complicated. Last month, Shedeur’s father and Colorado coach Deion Sanders suggested that whichever team is looking to draft his son must have the necessary infrastructure to help him develop. That threat has led to speculation about Sanders forcing his way out of a particular landing spot.
Fans Reject Rumors Regarding Las Vegas Raiders and Shedeur Sanders
According to NFL Rookie Watch, quarterback Shedeur Sanders is “prepared” to join either the Las Vegas Raiders or the Dallas Cowboys, regardless of where he’s drafted.
The rumor suggests that Sanders would refuse to play for the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns if either team drafts him. This situation draws parallels to the 2004 NFL Draft, where quarterback Eli Manning famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers and forced a trade to the Giants.
In light of Sanders’ stance, some believe New York may opt to “settle” for quarterback Cam Ward instead.
This is so false lol
— Gerry DeFilippo (@Challenger_ST) December 14, 2024
However, the majority of fans are not buying this report. Coach Prime has walked back rumors about manipulating Sanders’ new home, and the passer lacks the pedigree of a Manning-level prospect.
“B******* 🤣,” one fan summarized.
“Each year we have this, then comes draft day and nothing happens and is probably never going to happen. Manning draft was a one-time thing that happened several years ago,” another explained.
Others questioned the viability of the report altogether.
Bro just coming up with narratives and no sources 💀
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) December 14, 2024
“Engagement bait at its finest,” a commenter added. “Don’t believe a single thing this account tweets.”
Sanders and Malik Nabers Play Catch Amid Draft Rumors
Sanders was in New York to attend the Heisman Trophy ceremony, which was held at the Lincoln Center. He was supporting Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, who went on to win the award.
The trip to the Big Apple also included the opportunity to meet Giants receiver Malik Nabers. The two played catch, with speculation spreading about the potential of that connection on an NFL Field.
Shedeur & Malik Nabers linked up in New York 👀
(via @DeionSandersJr, welloffforever/IG) pic.twitter.com/l5klip5EOH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2024
New York emerged as a favorite for Sanders after getting off to a 2-11 start, but a Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts put a dent in those plans. The Giants fell to fourth in the draft order with the win and could fall further if they beat the Philadelphia Eagles to finish the season.
Even so, it remains possible that New York could select Sanders. The Giants could trade up, or he could fall to their pick. Forcing his way to (or away from) any team, though, is still incredibly unlikely.