NFL teams are evaluating top college prospects at the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains a focal point of draft discussions despite not participating in either event.
Sanders projects as a first-round pick alongside Miami’s Cam Ward. Mock drafts consistently rank them as the top two quarterbacks, though their order varies.
While skipping both bowl games, Sanders met with NFL teams during Shrine Bowl week. ESPN’s Matt Miller reports teams found Sanders “confident, funny, and comfortable” in meetings.
“[Sanders] showed teams how much he loves the game of football while also expressing his willingness to work hard to be great at it,” Miller wrote.
Sanders will attend the NFL Combine but likely won’t throw, following a common path for projected first-round quarterbacks. Last year’s No. 1 pick Caleb Williams made the same choice.
Miller projects Sanders won’t fall past the No. 6 overall pick, where the Las Vegas Raiders select. That would pair him with new head coach Pete Carroll.
The Raiders’ quarterback room currently features Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million contract last season and will earn $12.5 million in 2025, according to Spotrac.
O’Connell, a 2023 fourth-round pick from Purdue, will make just over $1 million next season. His roster spot could be at risk if Sanders joins the team.
Sanders has used social media to express interest in both the Raiders and going first overall to the Tennessee Titans.
