Four Colorado Buffaloes quarterbacks have been drafted into the NFL. Shedeur Sanders looks to make it five in April.
The fourth of Coach Prime’s five children is expected to be one of the first players taken in the draft, according to national experts. If projections come to fruition, he’ll be the first CU quarterback taken in the first round.
The other four drafted? Gale Weidner (10th round, 140th overall pick in 1962), Randy Essington (12th round, 336th pick in 1984), Kordell Stewart (second round, 60th pick in 1995) and Koy Detmer (seventh round, 207th pick in 1997).
Sanders also has a shot at surpassing running back Bo Matthews (the No. 2 overall pick in 1974) as the highest-drafted player in Buffs history. That is, if his teammate and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter doesn’t get it.
Here’s a look at where national draftniks think Shedeur Sanders will land in the draft.
CBS Sports | Mike Renner | Updated Jan. 14
No. 6 to Las Vegas Raiders: “I don’t have a top of the draft grade on Shedeur Sanders, and some NFL teams may ultimately agree. The Raiders are unlikely to have the kind of options that the Browns and Giants will via trade/free agency, meaning they’ll set their sights towards the draft.” See the full mock draft.
ESPN | Jordan Reid | Updated Jan. 7
No. 2 to Cleveland Browns: “Take a QB or trade back? That’s the Browns’ dilemma. Likely stuck with Deshaun Watson’s contract until 2026, the smart play would be to draft a QB while also signing a veteran through free agency. Sanders is an ideal fit in Kevin Stefanski’s offense, as his game centers around his polish as a pocket passer. With excellent ball placement, Sanders’ 6.5% off-target percentage was the third-lowest mark in the FBS. Sanders completed 74% of his passes this season for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.” See the full mock draft.
Pro Football Network | Alan Goldsher | Updated Jan. 14
No. 2 to Cleveland Browns: “Approximately 93 hours ago — before we learned that Deshaun Watson would miss most if not all of the 2025 season — this pick would’ve been traded … somewhere. But now the Cleveland Browns need to find a long-term solution to the quarterback situation that’s been an issue since the Bernie Kosar era (sorry, 2019 Baker Mayfield, but you know we’re right).
“Sanders might turn into Watson 2.0 and help the franchise turn a corner.” See the full mock draft.
The Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated Jan. 14
No. 3 to New York Giants: “The Giants can take advantage of the Titans and Browns not being ideal preferences for Deion Sanders’ son. Shedeur can give them clutch, accurate downfield passing to fit well with Brian Daboll while working with young playmakers such as Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Theo Johnson.” See the full mock draft.
Yahoo! Sports | Nate Tice and Charles McDonald | Updated Jan. 12
No. 2 to Las Vegas Raiders (from Cleveland Browns): “After firing Antonio Pierce, the Raiders trade up to get their hands on a franchise quarterback, which they desperately need. Another season of Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew II isn’t tenable, so the Raiders grab Sanders to lead their franchise for the next few years.” See the full mock draft.
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