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Mel Kiper reacts to Shedeur Sanders' first round fall in 2025 NFL Draft

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•04/24/25•

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Shedeur Sanders
Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Mel Kiper had a strong reaction to Shedeur Sanders falling in the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft. While appearing on ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage, Kiper said the Steelers should have selected Sanders at No. 21 overall, but the team went a different direction.

“They haven’t won a playoff game in nine years, Kiper said about the Steelers before they passed on Shedeur Sanders. “…I’m taking Shedeur Sanders. …If I’m Pittsburgh… Shedeur Sanders… to pass on him at this stage at pick 21, come on.”

When the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft was all said and done, Sanders was not selected, making him the best available player. Before the draft kicked off, ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that Sanders could be the storyline of the night since his interest was dropping.

“We are all waiting to see where the quarterbacks go tonight, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders,” Schefter said on College GameDay. “He’s not expected to go No. 3 to the New York Giants. He’s not expected to go No. 9 to the New Orleans Saints. The first real decision seems to belong to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21.

Mel Kiper is a big supporter of Shedeur Sanders

“The question becomes then is, do the Steelers make that move and make that pick? Or do they pass on Shedeur? And if they pass on Shedeur Sanders, where does he go in the second round of the draft? One of the biggest storylines heading into tonight.”

Mel Kiper has been high on Shedeur Sanders since he began evaluating this year’s draft class. In his final big board rankings, Kiper had Sanders ranked No. 5 and the top QB.

“You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 99 sacks over the past two seasons but still put up really strong numbers,” Kiper wrote. “I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense. And while he’s not necessarily a major rushing threat, he can keep the chains moving with his legs when there is an opening.