Shedeur Sanders’ shock NFL Draft snub has left fans questioning teams’ decision to pass over the quarterback – with many claiming his race is a factor.
The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders was passed over in all 32 picks of Thursday’s first round and continue to plummet in the second with the New Orleans Saints picking another quarterback ahead of him.
The former Colorado Buffaloes signal caller had once been predicated to be selected as high as No. 3 and as his anxious wait dragged on Friday night, his fall sparked a number of conspiracy theories.
Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate Friday, suggesting the United States fear of ‘strong black men’ was behind the drop.
Bowman also likened the 23-year-old’s predicament to NFL legend Eli Manning, who refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected with the No. 1 pick in 2004.
‘The NFL doesn’t like [Shedeur]Sanders because he wears gold chains and talks like a rapper. They don’t care that he’s a leader, intelligent, tough and completed 77% of his passes with no O-line and no running game. He’s entitled but Eli Manning wasn’t entitled when he refused to be drafted by San Diego?’ Bowman wrote on X.
Shedeur Sanders’ shock NFL Draft snub has left fans questioning teams’ decision
Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman joined the debate surrounding the quarterback
Bowman’s theory was echoed by a number of social media users, including former Pro Bowler Roddy White.
It had appeared that Sanders could finally get the nod Thursday night when the New York Giants traded back up to the first round but Brian Daboll’s side opted to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart instead.
‘Giants would never pick a black qb in the first round,’ he wrote in a tweet. ‘I don’t think they had a black qb outside of Tyrod Taylor they like white qbs which is why they picked Daniel Jones a couple years back now dart which neither will be any good. Just my opinion.’
With the 40th overall pick – the eighth in Friday’s second round – it also appeared that Sanders’ time had finally come.
The Saints, whose quarterback Derek Carr is an injury doubt for the upcoming season, had the pick and were believed to be in the market for a new signal caller but once again, Sanders was overlooked in favor of another – this time, Tyler Shough.
The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, who are both black, this offseason to bolster their quarterback room. Both Geno Smith and Tyrod Taylor have also suited up for New York in recent years.
Meanwhile, Cam Ward, the former Miami quarterback who was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick, is also black.
There had been speculation ahead of the draft that Sanders’ stock had tanked among certain teams.
Sanders’ father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, believes he warranted a top-five draft pick
There had been speculation ahead of the draft that Sanders’ stock had tanked among teams
Donald Trump has delivered his verdict on the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
His character in particular had been targeted following the combine with anonymous team sources branding him ‘brash’ and ‘arrogant’ following interviews.
Concerns about Sanders’ arm strength have become an issue in recent weeks, although his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Sanders, laughed at that notion.
In 50 collegiate games, Sanders threw for 14,347 yards, with 134 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He completed 70.1 percent of his passes and ran for 17 more scores.
Sanders’ skid is akin to that of some other quarterbacks who have watched their position tumble down the pecking order in recent years.
Just a few years ago, Will Levis tumbled down the draft boards after a strong senior year at Kentucky. He was eventually selected in the second round by the Titans, who are now set to replace him with Ward.
It also mirrors Aaron Rodgers’ tumble in 2005. Projected to be a top selection, Rodgers fell all the way down to 24th overall as Alex Smith was picked first overall.
Earlier on Friday, Donald Trump has weighed in on Sanders’ draft slide in a bizarre Truth Social rant.
The president, who made headlines despite not being at the draft, was left seething over the decision from the league’s franchises to overlook the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders .
‘What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?’ Trump wrote. ‘Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart!
‘Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be “picked” IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!’
