In one of the most stunning stories in NFL draft history, Shedeur Sanders did not hear his name called in the first three rounds. Sanders – the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – who starred at Colorado for the last two years, was widely expected to be picked early on, where several quarterback-needy teams were waiting. Instead, Sanders slid. And continued to slide, eventually all the way out of the first three rounds, leaving experts shocked, who had largely expected him to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board. Despite not getting picked in the first two days of the three-day event, Sanders remained positive, saying “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING,” in a post on X Friday night. There were signs in the lead-up to the first round that maybe Sanders would fall in the draft. On Thursday, the first couple times that ESPN cut to Canton, Texas, where Sanders was watching the draft, the set – covered in the player’s own logo – was empty. Eventually, cameras found Sanders watching the draft but he wasn’t exactly looking confident. The Colorado quarterback had once teased being picked by the New York Giants, wearing custom red, white and blue cleats during a game when the G-men were the top candidate for the first overall pick. A few days ago, he was making comments about how he would be throwing passes to receivers in Pittsburgh. But when the Steelers passed on him with the 21st pick, with Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon finding his way to the Steel City, it suddenly seemed possible that Sanders could drop all the way out of the first round. And then the Giants traded back into the first round with the 25th pick and were reportedly looking for a quarterback. Instead of Sanders, it was Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart who would be making the trip to the swamps of New Jersey to play for the Giants. Friday saw three quarterbacks selected ahead of Sanders - Tyler Shough to the New Orleans Saints in the second round while Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel found new homes with the Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns respectively in the third round. Sanders not getting selected drew the ire of many media experts and prominent figures including President Donald Trump, who put NFL teams on blast. “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social Friday. “Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be “picked” IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!” Shedeur Sanders, a former four-star recruit coming out of high school, has only been coached by his father during his four-year collegiate career that started out at Jackson State University in 2021. After two seasons with the Tigers, Sanders followed his father to Boulder, Colorado, to play at the University of Colorado ahead of the 2023 season along with JSU teammate Travis Hunter, who was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Sanders was prolific in his two seasons under center for the Buffaloes, leading them to a 9-4 record last year while throwing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The NFL draft continues on Saturday with rounds 4-7 which begin at 12 p.m ET.
Shedeur Sanders remains undrafted after first three rounds of 2025 NFL draft
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Shedeur Sanders Goes Undrafted in First Three Rounds of 2025 NFL Draft"
CNN
7.1
TruthLens AI Summary
In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback from Colorado and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, went undrafted in the first three rounds. Many analysts and fans had anticipated that Sanders would be among the top quarterbacks selected, particularly given his impressive performance in college, where he led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record in the previous season. However, as the draft progressed, it became clear that several quarterback-needy teams were opting for other players, leaving Sanders to watch in disbelief as his name was not called. Despite the disappointment, he maintained a positive attitude, expressing gratitude on social media for his journey thus far. The lead-up to the draft had shown signs that Sanders might face a fall, as he appeared less confident during coverage and saw other quarterbacks being chosen ahead of him, including Tyler Shough and Jalen Milroe, who were picked in the second and third rounds, respectively.
The unexpected outcome has drawn mixed reactions, including criticism from notable figures such as former President Donald Trump, who questioned the decision-making of NFL team owners regarding Sanders's draft status. Trump highlighted Sanders's potential and the legacy of his father, suggesting that his 'phenomenal genes' should have ensured his selection. Sanders's journey began at Jackson State University before transferring to Colorado, where he continued to excel under his father's guidance. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns in his final collegiate season, further solidifying his reputation as a talented quarterback. As the draft continues into its final rounds, there remains a possibility that Shedeur Sanders could still find a home in the NFL, as teams look to fill their rosters with promising talent. The remaining rounds of the draft will begin at noon ET, and many fans and experts will be watching closely to see if Sanders will be called to join an NFL team, despite the surprising turn of events in the earlier rounds.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a surprising narrative regarding Shedeur Sanders, who was not selected in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft despite expectations of an early pick. This situation has raised eyebrows among analysts and fans alike, given Sanders' lineage and recent performance at Colorado.
Purpose Behind the Publication
The coverage seems to aim at highlighting the unpredictability and drama of the NFL Draft, particularly focusing on the unexpected fall of a highly regarded player. By shedding light on Sanders' experience, the article seeks to engage readers with the emotional aspects of the draft process, such as disappointment and resilience. This narrative serves to humanize Sanders and connects with fans who may sympathize with his situation.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article is likely designed to evoke feelings of surprise and disappointment among fans of Sanders and the teams that were anticipated to select him. By emphasizing his positive attitude despite the setback, it attempts to maintain a hopeful narrative and encourage support from the public. This portrayal may foster a sense of solidarity among fans, making them more invested in Sanders' future.
Potential Omissions or Concealments
While the article focuses on Sanders' unexpected draft status, it may gloss over broader issues related to the draft process, such as team strategies or the criteria used for player selections. By concentrating solely on Sanders, there is a risk of overshadowing systemic factors affecting draft choices and the pressures athletes face.
Manipulative Elements
There is a degree of manipulative potential in the framing of the story. By emphasizing emotional elements and Sanders' lineage as the son of a Hall of Famer, the article could elicit stronger reactions from readers, steering the narrative in a particular direction. This approach raises questions about whether the emphasis on emotional storytelling is intended to distract from the complexities of draft decisions.
Overall Reliability of the Article
The article appears to be grounded in factual events, such as Sanders not being drafted in the expected rounds, and includes quotes from Sanders himself. However, the subjective language and emotional framing introduce an element of bias, which could affect the overall reliability of the narrative. Readers should approach the story with an understanding of the emotional undertones present.
Impact on Broader Contexts
The implications of Sanders' draft situation could extend beyond the sports realm, influencing discussions about player development and the pressures placed on young athletes. Additionally, the narrative may resonate with communities that value resilience and perseverance, particularly those familiar with the challenges of competitive sports.
Community Support and Target Audience
This coverage is likely to resonate with sports enthusiasts, particularly fans of college football and the NFL. It appeals to those who follow Sanders' career closely and are invested in the stories of young athletes facing adversity. The emotional connection forged through this narrative may foster a supportive community around Sanders as he navigates the next steps in his career.
Market and Economic Considerations
While this article may not directly impact stock markets or economic trends, the narrative around player selections can influence fan engagement and merchandise sales related to NFL teams. The attention garnered by Sanders could affect his brand value and, consequently, the financial dynamics of the teams interested in him.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although the article does not explicitly connect to global power dynamics, the popularity of American football and its cultural significance could reflect broader trends in sports' influence on society. The challenges faced by athletes like Sanders may parallel discussions in various fields concerning meritocracy and opportunity.
Use of AI in Composition
There may be an assumption that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, particularly in terms of language optimization and engagement strategies. However, the emotional framing and nuanced storytelling suggest a human touch, indicating that AI might have played a supportive role rather than being the primary author.
Conclusion
The article effectively captures a moment of drama in the sports world, but it should be read with a critical eye regarding its emotional framing and potential biases. The combination of factual reporting and subjective narrative creates a compelling but complex story.