Key Takeaways:
– ESPN analyst predicts Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders as the next top QB for the Raiders in 2025’s draft trading period.
– Sanders’ potential inclusion in the Raiders team might bring a fresh wave of controversy, reflecting his past tenure.
– Uncertainty looms over the current Raiders QB duo, Aidan O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew, following a lackluster 2024 season.
The countdown for the 2025 NFL draft has begun, and as per ESPN’s mock draft prediction, Shedeur Sanders could be the next quarterback (QB) for the Raiders. Released last week by ESPN analyst Jordan Reid, the mock draft prediction heralds Sanders as potentially the top quarterback of 2025, despite having a controversial stint at Colorado.
An Outstanding QB Prospect
Sanders, a player that has stirred both admiration and controversy in equal measure during his early career, may finally find a home amongst the Raiders. Depending on the draft scenario, Reid anticipates that the Raiders could move up via trade to grab Sanders at No. 6.
A formidable pass-catching line-up including Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Brock Bowers await Sanders if he lands with the Raiders. “With their offensive lineup, the Raiders can set up a promising, new passer extremely well. Sanders’ strength lies in his outstanding ball placement (69.3% completion rate last season, eighth in the FBS) and steady demeanor when protected in the pocket,” wrote Reid.
Sanders’ Early Triumph and Slump
Having shown exceptional potential in his two seasons at Jackson State under his father, Deion Sanders, Shedeur progressed to play at Colorado. His swift start with the Buffaloes came crashing down after a promising 3-0 record and an impressive 1,451 yards with 10 touchdowns in the first three games.
Following their initial run, the Buffaloes stumbled to a disappointing 1-7 record, causing speculation about Sanders’ ability to perform in the pocket and follow his internal clock. Despite these doubts, Sanders maintains his confidence. “I don’t see a quarterback that’s better than me,” Sanders told Sports Illustrated’s Brice Butler during Super Bowl week, “A lot of people don’t understand, that’s a lot more adversity than you think just even being the son of Deion Sanders.”
Controversy meets the Raiders
Although Sanders’ potential arrival would bolster the Raiders’ QB lineup, it brings a dash of controversy. After defensive back Xavier Smith transferred from Colorado, he claimed Deion Sanders “never even tried to get to know me,” to which Shedeur retaliated openly.
Moreover, Sanders came under the spotlight for taunting the Arizona State student section during one of the Buffaloes’ games. While not the ideal attributes of a leader, the Raiders are no strangers to such controversy.
Raiders’ Future QB Situation
Given Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell’s shaky performance in 2024, the Raiders could be seeking a new face for their QB role. Unless the current duo can appease the team’s concerns with a playoff run, Sanders could potentially be that new face.
“Sanders took 52 sacks in 2023 behind a struggling offensive line, so his internal clock must speed up before he ascends to the next level,” Reid highlighted. Despite these hitches, Sanders’ talent is undeniable, offering valuable prospects for the Raiders with visible similarities to Geno Smith’s playing style.
Even with the ambiguities surrounding him, could Sanders indeed be the Raiders’ answer? Only the 2025 draft will provide a concrete answer to this excitably charged question pervading the NFL sphere.