The rumors of Shedeur Sanders and his dad, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, heading to Dallas as a package has come to an end after the Cowboys hired Denver-born Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach.
So, what does this mean for the Buffs quarterback?
Here’s a look at where national draftniks think Shedeur Sanders will land in the draft.
CBS Sports | Blake Brockermeyer | Updated Jan. 28
No. 3 to the Giants: “Shedeur Sanders’ projections are all over the map, but he would fill a massive need for the Giants, who desperately need to reboot their passing attack. Sanders has the tools to layer the ball into all three areas of the field with accuracy. He’s an experienced, three-year starter who extends plays in the pocket and rarely gets flustered. Whether he has the maturity to handle New York’s relentless media spotlight is something the Giants will need to decide.” See the full mock draft.
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated Jan. 26
No. 1 to the Raiders (trade with Titans): “We cannot rule out the possibility of the Raiders — and new minority owner Tom Brady — making an aggressive push to draft Shedeur Sanders. There’s a chance Sanders’ connection with Brady will make it too dicey for Las Vegas to simply hope and wait for him to fall to No. 6 overall.” See the full mock draft.
ESPN | Mel Kiper Jr. | Updated Jan. 22
No. 3 to the Giants: “This is the best-case scenario for the Giants. Their Week 17 win over the Colts slid them to No. 3, and now finding a new QB1 in the first round isn’t guaranteed. But Daniel Jones is gone and Drew Lock is a free agent, so the Giants have to do something to clean up one of the worst passing games in the league. New York will be weighing all options, and it might ultimately be forced to trade up into the top two to get its guy. But here, Sanders falls into the Giants’ lap without any extra moves.
“Sanders is super accurate, completing 74% of his throws this season. He could step in right away and lift the entire offense, including standout 2024 first-rounder Malik Nabers. Time is running out for GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll; they have to get this right.” See the full mock draft.
NFL.com | Daniel Jeremiah | Updated Jan. 25
No. 6 to the Raiders: “Tom Brady, now a partner in the Raiders’ ownership, is someone who would appreciate Sanders’ toughness, accuracy and decision making.” See the full mock draft.
Pro Football Focus | Max Chadwick | Updated Jan. 27
No. 3 to the Giants: “Giants owner John Mara didn’t mince words in his postseason press conference, saying he’s “just about run out of patience” following New York’s seventh losing campaign in the past eight years. He also mentioned that finding the team’s quarterback of the future is the top priority for general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll as they head into a make-or-break year.
“Sanders almost seems like a player the Giants have to draft here, given the stakes. He was one of college football’s best signal-callers over the past two seasons. His 49 big-time throws since 2023 tied for fifth, and his 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate in that span ranked second to only Bo Nix. Sanders also was recently seen playing catch with Giants star receiver Malik Nabers in the streets of New York.” See the full mock draft.
Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated Jan. 27
No. 1 to the Titans: “The Titans had a good initial meeting with Shedeur, as Deion’s son works to be the No. 1 pick, whether it’s by Tennessee or another team trading up to get him. There are some questions on whether Shedeur is worth this high of a pick or even a first-round selection, but the Titans should be one of the teams willing to take an early shot with their desperation at quarterback.” See the full mock draft.
The Athletic | Scott Dochterman | Updated Jan. 28
No. 6 to the Raiders: “Is there a more perfect arrangement than Sanders heading to the Raiders? A polarizing prospect who’s had to deal with plenty of scrutiny (including for his early season criticism of his own offensive line), Sanders was a driving force in Colorado turning from the worst power-conference program into Big 12 regular-season co-champion.
“Sanders has the arm and swagger to lead right away. How he handles pressure situations will determine whether he succeeds or fails, and how the Raiders’ front office — including Tom Brady — evaluates him.” See the full mock draft.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.