For obvious reasons, Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders has arguably been the biggest talking point ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With most penciling him in as either the first or second overall pick, his status is seemingly cemented.
However, not everyone is convinced he will be among the top selections.
Delanie Walker Bets Against Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Position
Former NFL tight end and current analyst Delanie Walker has publicly stated he believes Sanders will not be taken within the first two rounds of the draft. Walker even took it a step further, placing a $1,000 bet that the young quarterback would fall to at least the third round.
Easiest $1,000 of my life
Delanie @delaniewalker82 doesn’t think Shedeur Sanders will get drafted in the TOP TWO ROUNDS 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/wzjVaWw4GP
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) January 30, 2025
During a discussion with fellow former NFL player and analyst Will Compton, Walker confidently predicted that Sanders would not be among the first 64 picks.
He attributed this to the expected prioritization of offensive and defensive linemen as well as a resurgence in running backs being selected earlier than in previous years.
“It’s going to be all linemen,” Walker said. “Watch, o-lineman, d-lineman, and it’s going to push the draft back. Then running backs, I guarantee.”
Compton, who strongly disagrees with Walker’s stance, decided to make the bet official. Compton posted about their wager on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“Easiest $1,000 of my life. Delanie @delaniewalker82 doesn’t think Shedeur Sanders will get drafted in the TOP TWO ROUNDS,” he wrote, accompanied by laughing emojis.
Both Walker and Compton are now contributors at Barstool Sports, co-hosting the shows The Locker Room and Bussin With The Boys. Their heated debate over Sanders’ draft stock has only fueled more conversation surrounding the quarterback’s NFL future.
Contrary to Walker’s belief, many draft experts anticipate Sanders will be selected in the first round, with some even projecting him in the top 10. A recent mock draft by College Sports Network’s Max Dorsey had Sanders going sixth overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dorsey explained his projection: “While the (New York) Giants pass on Sanders, the Raiders don’t. After a season of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder, the Raiders don’t pass on QB, and they’re okay reaching to grab one.”
However, Dorsey did come a bit to Walker’s side, endorsing Sanders as a non-top-10 prospect.
“Sanders isn’t a top-10 talent, but he does have the tools to be a starter in the NFL,” Dorsey wrote. “He becomes QB1 for the Raiders and has the perfect personality for Vegas.”
Evaluating Shedeur Sanders’ College Career and NFL Potential
During his tenure at Colorado, Sanders threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns over two seasons. However, his interception rate increased notably from his junior to senior year, raising concerns among scouts. Despite this, his ability to execute plays under pressure has solidified his standing as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft.
His ability to extend plays, process defensive schemes and execute precise throws makes him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking a young quarterback to develop. While some critics, including Walker, question whether he can thrive at the professional level immediately, others see him as a player with high upside if placed in the right system.
MORE: Top 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings
Regardless of where he lands, Sanders’ journey to the NFL will be closely monitored. Whether he proves Walker wrong or ends up sliding in the draft, his career will undoubtedly be one of the most followed among the 2025 class.
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