As the 2024 NFL regular season came to a close, the conversation turned to the upcoming draft. Two weeks ago, teams in desperate need of a quarterback, like the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, were at the top of the list, with Shedeur Sanders widely projected to be the first QB off the board.
Now, with the Tennessee Titans holding the first overall pick, they may select a quarterback, either Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward. The Cleveland Browns and Giants, also in need of a signal caller, could take the remaining QB.
After them are the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, who don’t need a signal caller but might pick dual-threat Travis Hunter. This would leave the Raiders, who lack both a quarterback and a dynamic running back, with fewer desired options.
Mel Kiper on Raiders Trying To Draft Deion Sanders’ Son Shedeur
On Jan. 9, NFL insiders Mel Kiper and Field Yates were talking about their take on the 2025 NFL Draft Big Board rankings. Kiper suggested that the Raiders might trade up to at least get a franchise quarterback in Shedeur to pair with RB Zamir White, albeit the chances of him going to the Giants vary greatly.
“It’s the big lights, it’s the big stage. It’s New York, it’s a pocket awareness presence. … It’s old school for me,” Kiper said. “Doing it from the pocket. To be able to do what he did and have magical throws. … Only Shedeur could do it. I’m a big Shedeur guy.
“I think the Raiders will be aggressive and try to maybe go up from where they are right now at sixth but hey, these teams also need quarterbacks, the Giants being one of them, so I will go Shedeur Sanders here to New York Giants at pick No. 3.”
🔥 The Draft. Travis to Browns at #2, Shedeur to NY at #3. Mel & Field talk
"Travis' ball skills are unbelievable. He is going to be phenomenal. Shedeur had some magical throws that only he can do. Shedeur for the Raiders. I think they will be aggressive and go up"
📽️ @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/SfNFhRvaJh
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) January 9, 2025
According to Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft by Reese Deckers, Sanders is not only on his way to being the first quarterback off the board but also the first overall player selected. The Titans, who haven’t found a proper answer at the position and hold a 3-14 record in their 2024 campaign, could use an arm that can take them out of tough situations.
“Sanders has a live arm capable of layering throws with pinpoint accuracy and precision. His strong, balanced lower body allows him to fend off pressure and deliver accurate off-platform throws. Whether operating in rhythm or improvising off-schedule, Sanders excels. His pocket mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs, paired with his toughness and grit, make him an ideal fit to be the first player off the board on draft night” said Decker.
As for Las Vegas, PFN’s mock does not project them getting either Shedeur or Heisman winner Hunter. But the team is expected to get Boise State’s running back Ashton Jeanty who led his team to a conference title in 2024 and was the Heisman runner-up along with being the rushing stats leader with 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns.
“The 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up is a bona fide blue-chip prospect and generational talent. He is a dynamic playmaker who possesses elite contact balance, remarkable power and durability, dangerous top-end speed, and the ability to flip the field on a single cut. He has the ability to be an instant game-changer and a foundational piece for a rebuilding organization.”