Shedeur Sanders enters the 2025 NFL Draft not only as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 class, but in some time. A player constantly surrounded by camera flashes and a confidence that may rub some the wrong way—along with being Deion Sanders' son—the expectations that will follow Shedeur Sanders wherever he lands will surely remain within reason… right?
However, focusing on his ability under center, headlined by his toughness, ability to operate within a pro-style offense, and knack for taking care of the football, Sanders projects as a future starter on Sundays. While a long list of teams remain in the market for a quarterback, three clubs stand out as ideal landing spots for one of the headlining prospects in this year’s cycle.
New York Giants
The Giants remain in flux at quarterback despite the arrivals of both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. While both veterans could serve as stopgap options for 2024 and potentially push the Giants toward six or seven wins, the Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen experiment is on its last straw in 2025, and a plan must be in place to sway ownership if both individuals want to keep their jobs past this season. Remaining competitive with Wilson or Winston is fine to the public eye, but drafting a young talent, while also remaining competitive—even if you win fewer games than with a veteran under center—could showcase a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel and save both Daboll and Schoen’s jobs.
With Wilson or Winston, there really is no long-term plan, unless ownership loves the idea of potentially adding Travis Hunter while waiting to draft a headlining QB in the 2026 class next spring. But for the present, and for Daboll’s sake, it’s his last chance to get a young player in the building he can groom to potentially become their face of the franchise.
Considering the Giants’ attack on offense prioritizes timing, accuracy, and decision-making—areas where Sanders excels—his ability to deliver on time and within structure makes him a strong fit for the Giants’ offensive philosophy predicated on feeding WR Malik Nabers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the rumors of Aaron Rodgers coming to town, as of right now, Mason Rudolph would start under center if games were played today. Long story short, Pittsburgh needs a guy. Enter Sanders, whose poise under pressure and toughness inside the pocket fit the ‘Steeler’ mold to a T.
As always under OC Arthur Smith, the Steelers will lean on a run-heavy attack, complemented by a quick-strike passing game. Sanders' efficiency in the short-to-intermediate areas and his ability to extend plays when necessary align well with Smith’s architecture. Additionally, playing in an organization with a strong culture and an elite defense would help Sanders develop without the burden of carrying the team early in his career. Things get even more exciting when taking a peek at who's present on the outside (DK Metcalf and George Pickens). It would be a nice foundation for success early on.
Cleveland Browns
The Deshaun Watson contract is a nightmare, and Kenny Pickett isn’t the future. While the Browns remain tethered to Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, who very well may end up their pick at No. 2 overall, investing in a player like Sanders could pay massive dividends for a roster that has talent on both sides of the ball despite the limited expectations that surround them in a loaded division.
The Browns have had success with throwback pocket-passers in the past (see Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco) under Kevin Stefanski’s direction, and Sanders’ ability to thrive within structure and deliver accurate throws to multiple levels makes him a natural fit. The Browns’ roster is well-rounded, featuring an above-average offensive line, playmakers in Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku, and a defense that touts arguably the best pass-rusher of the last decade in Myles Garrett. If Cleveland idealizes a young quarterback to develop under Stefanski while keeping their playoff window open, Sanders could be the smart business decision, even if they had to pass on a talent like Carter or Hunter at No. 2 overall.
