Shedeur Sanders, a previous favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, found himself in an unexpected position.

The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, who started as a 3-1 favorite to be taken No. 1 overall by BetMGM, inexplicably sat untouched during the first eight selections. And with the conclusion of the first round, Sanders' name had still not been announced.

The absence was so noticeable that even ESPN's cameras kept cutting back to an empty couch where Sanders and his family were to sit. What could be the reason why he slipped on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft?

From Heisman Hype to First-Round Doubt: What Went Wrong?

Shedeur Sanders Misses Top 20 NFL Draft Pick; Expert Breaks Shedeur Sanders Misses Top 20 NFL Draft Pick; Expert Breaks
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So, how did one of the most hyped quarterbacks in college football history wind up on the outside looking in on the biggest night of the draft? This is the question that fans have in mind about Sanders' draft day snub.

As per The Athletic's David Ubben, NFL franchises marked down several issues, none necessarily deal-breakers in and of themselves, but collectively enough to bring reluctance.

According to him, Sanders does not have the chart-topping arm talent and top-notch agility that recent first-round draft picks like Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels have.

Yet for whatever he lacks in flair, he compensates with accuracy: 1,808 career pass attempts with only 27 interceptions says a lot about his judgment. But there's more to it.

NFL Teams Concerned About Off-Field Personality and Father-Son Relationship

Some front offices might have a larger concern, though, with Sanders' off-field personality and his close relationship with his renowned father, Deion Sanders. Having Deion as a coach and his most vocal advocate on the field, concerns have been raised about locker room relationships and whether Shedeur will be able to adapt to a professional setting where his family legacy is not as influential.

According to FTW, certain executives allegedly view his confidence as approaching arrogance. Along with his end-zone celebrations, reality TV fame, and celebrity lifestyle, it led some clubs to wonder if the entire package was worth the possible distractions.

Sanders' Talent Still Intrigues, But the Clock Ticks

Despite all the worries, one truth endures: Shedeur Sanders can play. He's precise, cool under fire, and has a keen knowledge of the game. He's not merely Deion's son—he's the real deal quarterback prospect with potential.

For the 2025 NFL Draft Day 2, everyone expects someone to take the opportunity and pick Sanders, who is probably more fired up than ever. The slide has damaged his draft value, but not the potential to become an NFL starter in the future.

While NFL analyst Bryant McFadden wanted Sanders over Cam Ward as the number one quarterback of the class, there might be a deeper reason why the top three teams prioritized the other young guns before him.