Drafting Shedeur Sanders Still ‘On the Table’ for One Surprise Team in Top 10: Report

Shedeur Sanders’ Rise: A Star in the Making

Shedeur Sanders has quickly turned heads since he transferred to Colorado, leaving behind a legacy at Jackson State under Coach Prime, where he played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ rise to prominence in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). In his time at Jackson State, Sanders displayed poise, accuracy, and playmaking ability, but his 2024 campaign at Colorado elevated him to another level. Under the bright lights of the Pac-12, he not only kept up with the competition but excelled, showcasing an exceptional skill set that combines strong arm strength, elite decision-making, and mobility in the pocket.

The combination of those traits has made him one of the most buzzed-about quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. But it’s not just his physical abilities that have people talking. Sanders’ leadership, charisma, and poise under pressure are qualities that coaches and scouts alike value highly in a quarterback, particularly one who could be the face of a franchise.

What has set Sanders apart from many of his contemporaries is his ability to perform when the stakes are highest. Whether it’s leading Colorado to a big win or putting together a remarkable individual performance, Sanders has shown that he can rise to the occasion. That’s exactly what NFL scouts look for when they are considering a quarterback for the future of their team.

The Surprise Team in the Top 10: Who Could Be Interested in Sanders?

While many expect the top 10 picks in the upcoming draft to be dominated by pass-rushers, offensive tackles, and wide receivers, there’s growing buzz about one surprise team that could consider Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback of the future. That team? The Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders, led by head coach Josh McDaniels, are in the midst of a rebuild after parting ways with Derek Carr and bringing in veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to hold down the quarterback position. Garoppolo’s tenure, however, has been marked by inconsistency and injuries, leaving the Raiders with a need for a more reliable long-term answer at quarterback.

Many experts and insiders believe that the Raiders could be in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 draft. While the team has other needs, including defensive line and cornerback, the value of a potential franchise quarterback has never been higher. Enter Shedeur Sanders, a player whose talents have caught the attention of Raiders’ brass.

Why Sanders?

For the Raiders, the appeal of Sanders is clear. McDaniels is known for his expertise in developing quarterbacks, having worked with the likes of Tom Brady in New England. A quarterback with Sanders’ poise, athleticism, and ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket would fit well into McDaniels’ system. The Raiders’ offense, which has struggled to find consistency over the past few years, could benefit from the added dynamic of a young, high-upside quarterback like Sanders.

In addition to McDaniels’ track record with quarterbacks, the Raiders also find themselves in a position where they could benefit from taking a swing on a future star. The team’s current situation at quarterback is far from ideal, and Sanders could represent a new era of hope and success. His ability to learn and adapt quickly could make him a seamless fit for an NFL offense looking to build around a young, promising quarterback.

The Draft Scenario: A Bold Move for the Future

If the Raiders are indeed serious about taking Sanders in the first round, particularly with one of their top 10 picks, it would be a bold but calculated move. Sanders’ stock is expected to rise during the draft process, and while he may not be universally regarded as the best quarterback in the class, his ceiling is undeniable. With teams in need of a quarterback, including the Raiders, Sanders offers a tantalizing package of physical tools and intangible leadership qualities that could pay off in the long run.

For the Raiders, the opportunity to add a potential franchise quarterback would help solidify the future of the organization. After years of searching for a long-term solution, drafting a player like Sanders would provide a sense of stability and direction for a franchise that has been known for its highs and lows in recent seasons. It’s an opportunity to capitalize on a draft class that is rich in quarterback talent, even if Sanders might not be the consensus top option.

The Quarterback Class: A Tough Decision

While Sanders’ potential as a top-10 pick is very real, he’s not the only quarterback who will be in the conversation for those coveted early picks. The 2025 class features several other quarterbacks who could be viewed as more polished or safer bets. Among them are top prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix Jr., all of whom have garnered attention as potential first overall picks.

Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in this class, and Maye’s prototypical size and playmaking ability also make him an appealing option for teams in need of a signal-caller. While Sanders may not have the same level of pedigree as those two, his blend of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership skills gives him the upside to be a top-tier NFL quarterback.

However, what makes Sanders stand out is his unique blend of competitiveness and maturity beyond his years. His success at Colorado, a school that has undergone a significant transformation under Deion Sanders, is a testament to his resilience and ability to handle pressure. It’s those characteristics that could push him into the top 10 conversation, despite the loaded quarterback class.

Looking Ahead: The Raiders’ Draft Strategy

If the Raiders indeed target Sanders in the 2025 draft, it would represent a forward-thinking strategy for a team desperate to find the next face of its franchise. With Garoppolo on a short leash and several other teams likely to make a run at quarterbacks, the Raiders may find themselves in the position of having to make a move sooner rather than later.

For Sanders, being selected by a team like the Raiders could offer him the ideal environment to develop as a young quarterback. The organization’s commitment to improving and its strong offensive coaching staff would provide him with the tools needed to succeed in the NFL. Should he be chosen in the top 10, it would mark a new chapter in his career, one that brings both excitement and high expectations.

Conclusion: Sanders’ Future in the NFL

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, the excitement surrounding Shedeur Sanders continues to build. While it remains to be seen which team ultimately pulls the trigger on drafting him, the prospect of him being selected in the top 10, particularly by a team like the Las Vegas Raiders, is a very real possibility. His skill set, leadership, and potential for growth make him a strong candidate for any team in need of a young quarterback to build around.

As the draft process continues to unfold, teams will continue to assess their options and make difficult decisions about which quarterback to select. For Shedeur Sanders, the next step in his football journey could be a pivotal one, and no matter where he lands, the expectations surrounding his future in the NFL will be sky-high.