The 2025 NFL draft took an unexpected turn when Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round after he was initially expected to be a first or second-round pick. As a result of the shocking fall to one of the most recognizable names in the class, much of the coverage during the draft focused on Sanders.
ESPN's draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. was among those leading the coverage surrounding Sanders during the draft. Kiper was one a select few that had Sanders ranked as his top quarterback over Miami product Cam Ward, and could not fathom Sanders's fall to the fifth round. In turn, many felt Ward's moment as the No. 1 pick in the draft was overshadowed by Sanders in part because of Kiper, and that Ward flew under the radar despite getting selected first.
