The 2025 NFL Draft opened with its fair share of surprises, but few were bigger than the absence of Shedeur Sanders from the first round. Once considered a potential top-10 pick, Sanders watched Thursday night come and go without hearing his name called.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints—all in the market for a quarterback—passed. Even the New York Giants, who heavily scouted Sanders, took a hard pass. They grabbed linebacker Abdul Carter at No. 3 and later traded back into Round 1 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. That effectively closed the door on Sanders in the Big Apple.
Still, Sanders stayed calm. Speaking from Texas with family and friends, he remained focused. A video posted by his father, Deion Sanders, captured the moment. “This didn’t happen for no reason,” Shedeur said. “We’re on to better things. If tomorrow is the day, we’ll be ready and grateful.”
That confidence may be masking a tough lead-up to the draft. An NFL Network report citing anonymous scouts criticized Sanders’ interviews and leadership, with some labeling him “entitled.” The backlash was swift, and Deion Sanders even called out teams for pushing “smear campaigns.”
Regardless of the outside noise, Sanders enters Day 2 as one of the most talented players left on the board. The Browns, picking first in Round 2 (No. 33), are a strong possibility. They’ve hosted Sanders for meetings and dinner, though they passed on a private workout. With their eye on a long-term QB option to develop, Sanders could be a smart fit in Kevin Stefanski’s system.
The Raiders, who pick at No. 37, remain in play too. With Tom Brady as a minority owner and mentor to Sanders, there’s a personal connection that adds intrigue. Meanwhile, the Saints—drafting at No. 40—still need answers under center and could be willing to take a gamble.
But there’s no guarantee. The unpredictability of Round 1 could continue tonight, keeping Sanders’ fate one of Day 2’s biggest storylines.
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Cowboys Miss Out on Dream Receiver
Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a blow when Carolina scooped up wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8. The Arizona star was high on Dallas’ board, and linebacker Micah Parsons didn’t hide his frustration during a live Bleacher Report stream.
“That was supposed to be our pick,” Parsons said. “He was supposed to be opposite CeeDee [Lamb].”
Instead, the Cowboys addressed the offensive line, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker at No. 12. It’s a smart move with Zack Martin nearing the end, but it leaves Dallas thin at receiver. Expect them to target pass-catchers in Round 2.
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McMillan’s Stock Soars
McMillan has long been seen as one of the class’s top wideouts. At 6’4″, 219 pounds, he’s a prototypical X-receiver with strong hands and crisp route-running. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine, but his game tape did plenty of talking.
After dominating at Arizona and becoming the school’s all-time receiving yards leader, McMillan lands in Carolina, where he’ll be a key piece in an offense desperate for playmakers.
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Giants Take a Risk With Dart Over Sanders
The Giants’ decision to bypass Sanders and draft Jaxson Dart may define their draft class. After going defense at No. 3, New York moved back into the first round for the Ole Miss quarterback, who’s expected to sit behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
Head coach Brian Daboll has staked his future on developing Dart. If it pays off, great. If not—and Sanders thrives elsewhere—it could cost the regime its job.
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Round 1 Winners & Losers
Winners:
Caleb Williams: Chicago gave him more tools, adding tight end Colston Loveland to an already improving offense.
Atlanta Falcons: Finally addressed the pass rush by landing Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Expensive, but worth it.
Losers:
Cowboys Marketing Team: No flashy skill players means less buzz—and less jersey sales.
Cam Ward: Taken first overall, but overshadowed by Tennessee’s surprise trade for Travis Hunter. The spotlight didn’t last long.
Panthers Defense: Drafting McMillan helps the offense, but they ignored a defense that ranked worst in points and yards allowed last season.
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What’s Next?
All eyes are on Round 2. Will Shedeur Sanders finally hear his name? The Browns, Raiders, and Saints all have the opportunity—and the need. But in a draft full of surprises, anything can happen.