2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper gives blazing hot take on Shedeur Sanders

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, where Shedeur Sanders stands remains in question. Many have him sliding down the first round, potentially not hearing his name called on Thursday night. Then there are people like ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who have remained high on Sanders throughout the process.

Kiper went as far as saying that Sanders might be the “most underappreciated superstar” he has evaluated throughout his time in the business. Between Jackson State and Colorado, Kiper could not speak higher of the quarterback. Big praise from one of the NFL Draft’s originals.

“In my 47 years, maybe the most underappreciated superstar I’ve seen come out of the collegiate ranks for all the criticism he receives,” Kiper said Tuesday. “‘Shedeur Jones, if he was that, he would be a third-round pick.’ Guess what? Shedeur Sanders made Jackson State, Colorado. He stepped in there and did an unbelievable job with the Buffaloes.

“You saw, when he first got there, what he had to endure in terms of pressure, getting hit all the time. Only three interceptions, completion percentage through the roof. This year, gets a little more help, and outstanding. Few more interceptions, but this kid made the big throws when he had to. Underrated arm, underrated mobility in the pocket. Underrated overall is Shedeur Sanders.”

No use in praising Sanders if you are not going to back it up. Kiper did in his latest mock draft, predicting Sanders to go No. 3 overall to the New York Giants. He did have Miami‘s Cam Ward going No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans but looking at position rankings, Sanders is ahead of Ward.

Kiper loves the completion percentage from Sanders and for good reason. The Colorado product led the country last season in the stat, seeing 74% of his pass attempted completed. Sanders has the all-time record as well at 71.8%, although he only spent two years at the FBS level.

Interceptions were another stat Kiper mentioned, but there was a big jump from 2023 to 2024. Only three were thrown in Sanders’ first Colorado season before tossing 10 last year. Four of those were in the final quarter of the schedule.

Either way, Kiper does not seem too concerned. He is incredibly high on Sanders and believes everyone else is underrating the quarterback. While other draft analysts might be pumping the brakes, Kiper might be ready to add more Sanders stock to his portfolio.