For the most part, NFL Draft experts have predicted that Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Colorado signal-caller Shedeur Sanders will, at worst, both be top-10 picks as part of a class that allegedly isn’t filled with first-round talents at the position.
However, NFL Media draft analyst Eric Edholm mentioned for a piece published Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers could potentially land Sanders either at or near the 21st overall pick of the 2025 player-selection process depending on how Pittsburgh handles pending free agents Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
“I would argue there is no guarantee that Sanders can’t slide a bit,” Edholm explained. “Even in a draft where he and Ward are viewed as the top two options, QB-needy teams on this list might go for veterans at the position, pursuing players such as Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers or Wilson.”
Logic suggests Pittsburgh wouldn’t re-sign Fields, who turns 26 years old in March, just to then spend a first-round pick on a different quarterback. However, the Steelers realistically could bring Wilson back on a team-friendly contract and then ask him to serve as a mentor for Sanders.
As for why Sanders may slide on the opening night of the draft, numerous whispers have hinted that Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has a wish list of clubs in mind for his son, Shedeur. Additionally, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported on Jan. 31 that “numerous front office sources” said they “would not rank any of the draft prospects ahead of the six quarterbacks who were selected in the first round” of last year’s draft.
Edholm noted that six teams picking in the top nine spots of this year’s draft order could grab Shedeur Sanders. If, however, Sanders falls to choice No. 10, he could spend some time waiting to hear his name called since the franchises holding picks No. 11 through No. 20 seem unlikely to use a first-round selection on a quarterback this spring.
In such a scenario where Sanders is on the board at pick No. 13, Pittsburgh could trade up and keep the Colorado star from potentially ending up with either the Indianapolis Colts or Seattle Seahawks. Then again, such a transaction may not be necessary if Deion Sanders makes it known he wants Shedeur to play for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
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