2025 NFL Draft: Mike Tannenbaum explains why Shedeur Sanders to Pittsburgh Steelers makes sense

Shedeur Sanders could go as high as No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. At the same time, the former Colorado quarterback could experience a fall down the board.

It all depends what teams like the Browns and the New York Giants — who own the No. 3 pick — think about Sanders. But if he makes it to pick No. 10, ESPN‘s Mike Tannenbaum believes the Pittsburgh Steelers should acquire the pick from the Chicago Bears to take Sanders. Tannenbaum already put the idea on paper in his post-free agency mock draft, and explained why it makes sense for the Steelers during a Friday appearance on “Get Up.”

“If I was talking to Shedeur and Deion [Sanders], I would say, ‘I don’t care where I’m drafted. It’s the best situation.’ If I can get to the Pittsburgh Steelers and play for a Hall of Fame coach in Mike Tomlin and a great offensive mind in Arthur Smith to go along with George Pickens, DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth, that’s a great situation,” Tannenbaum said.

“And remember, last year the last five games, the Steelers only averaged 15 points per game. This would be an opportunity for them to improve not only at the receiver position with Metcalf, but at the quarterback position with Shedeur Sanders. I think this is a great win-win not just short-term for 2025, but long-term as well.”

Mike Tannenbaum compares Shedeur Sanders to NFL veteran

In his collegiate career, Shedeur Sanders followed his father Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado. He spent two seasons with the Buffaloes, becoming one of the best and most discussed quarterbacks in the country. Sanders finished the 2024 season completing 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

Miami‘s Cam Ward is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans. Sanders is the consensus QB2 and even if the Steelers end up signing Aaron Rodgers, they could use a long-term option. While Tannenbaum doesn’t necessarily see all-time great in Sanders’ future, he is high on his potential to be an NFL-caliber starting quarterback, comparing him to a veteran in the league.

“He had an outstanding year,” Tannenbaum recently said. “Led the nation in completion percentage at 74%. I think he is a high-floor, lower-ceiling quarterback. I think you can win a lot of games with Shedeur Sanders. For me, the comp is Kirk Cousins. Kirk Cousins has had a really good NFL career.”