Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders now turns his full attention to preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be one of the top prospects. Sanders faces stiff competition from other elite players such as his teammate Travis Hunter and Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward for the coveted No. 1 overall pick.
While Sanders’ college career ended on a sour note with a 36-14 loss to the BYU Cougars in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, his individual performance still showcased flashes of his immense talent. In his final game, Sanders threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite the loss, his ability to carry Colorado’s offense throughout the season has kept his draft stock high.
Strong Contender for the No. 1 Pick
Sanders remains a favorite for the No. 1 overall selection, with many analysts linking him to the New York Giants. The Giants, who endured a dismal season, are likely to hold the top pick and are in desperate need of a new franchise quarterback after parting ways with former top-10 pick Daniel Jones in November.
Jones’ release came less than two years after he signed a four-year, $160 million contract, signaling the team’s dissatisfaction with his performance. Now, the Giants are in the market for a new leader under center, and Sanders has emerged as a prime candidate.
Draft Buzz Surrounding Sanders
Multiple mock drafts project Sanders as the Giants’ choice with the first overall pick. His ability to thrive under challenging conditions—such as Colorado’s porous offensive line and inconsistent defense—has made him an appealing option for a rebuilding franchise like New York.
“It’s obvious the Giants desperately need a new franchise quarterback, and despite a fairly weak class, they’re likely to choose between this year’s top prospects at the position with this pick,” NFL analyst Luke Easterling wrote. “Sanders and Cam Ward will both get strong consideration here, but Sanders’ ability to excel despite a lackluster supporting cast could appeal to the G-Men’s current situation.”
Sanders’ NFL Potential
Sanders’ skill set—a combination of poise, mobility, and an elite football IQ—has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Throughout his collegiate career, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to make plays under pressure, a trait that bodes well for transitioning to the NFL.
If selected by the Giants, Sanders would step into one of the league’s largest media markets, bringing with him not only his on-field talent but also the charisma and leadership qualities that have defined his rise at Colorado.
The Road Ahead
With the draft just months away, Sanders will focus on showcasing his abilities during workouts, interviews, and the NFL Combine. His goal will be to solidify his position as the No. 1 overall pick and prove to NFL teams that he has what it takes to be a franchise cornerstone.
For the Giants, the decision to draft Sanders could represent the start of a new era after years of struggle. As the buzz continues to grow, the prospect of Shedeur Sanders in a Giants uniform becomes increasingly tantalizing for New York fans.