We are just nine days away from the 2025 NFL Draft, with 17 prospects confirmed to attend the festivities in Green Bay at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24.
However, one huge name is missing from the list.
Cam Ward Won’t Be Joined by Fellow QB Shedeur Sanders
The projected No. 1 overall pick and presumed starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, Cam Ward joins a number of notable players who are set to attend the NFL Draft next week.
One of three quarterbacks expected to attend, Ward will be joined by Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. However, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders won’t be in attendance.
Sanders’ teammate and two-way star, Travis Hunter, will be present in Green Bay, joining fellow wide receivers including Texas’ Matthew Golden and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
Other notable players include Penn State standout edge rusher Abdul Carter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, LSU tackle Will Campbell and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Alabama leads the way with three players attending. In addition to quarterback Jalen Milroe, guard Tyler Booker and linebacker Jihaad Campbell will represent the Crimson Tide on draft day. That doesn’t come as a surprise, as Alabama is historically known for having players selected in Round 1 of the NFL Draft — totaling 47 in its history.
Just last season, the Tide had three players selected on Day 1. Offensive tackle JC Latham, defensive end Dallas Turner and cornerback Terrion Arnold were all taken in the first round.
On the other hand, Colorado — a program that hasn’t had many high-profile players in its history — has two ranked in the top 15.
With quarterback Shedeur Sanders ranked No. 14 overall as the No. 2 quarterback, and No. 2-ranked Travis Hunter as the No. 1 cornerback, the Buffaloes are set to have their most successful draft since 2011.
That year, Colorado had two players selected in the first round. Offensive tackle Nate Solder was taken No. 17 overall by the New England Patriots, and defensive back Jimmy Smith was drafted No. 27 overall by the Baltimore Ravens.
For Shedeur Sanders, his draft stock has been fluctuating more than laggy Wi-Fi. Once thought to be a top-five pick, scouts and experts now believe the New Orleans Saints are the favorites to land the quarterback at No. 9 overall.
While the Giants were early favorites, they’ve added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason. Although both veterans bring stability to an ever-changing quarterback room in New York, their contracts don’t necessarily indicate long-term options.
The Giants are set to hold a private workout with Sanders prior to the draft and could possibly trade down from No. 3 if they believe they can strike a deal with another team ahead of the Saints at No. 9.
A dark horse to land Sanders is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head coach Mike Tomlin spent time with the quarterback to get a sense of the player beyond football. Sanders spoke with the media after Colorado’s pro day, saying meeting Coach Tomlin was a “10 out of 10” experience and that he understands why the Steelers have a winning culture.
Now, back to the Saints. Starting quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss the entire 2025 season. That leaves the door wide open for Sanders to come in and start on Day 1.
While New Orleans is strapped for cash — particularly after restructuring Carr’s $150 million contract — Sanders would provide an immediate replacement on an affordable rookie deal.
In NFL expert analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s final mock draft, he has the Saints selecting Sanders at No. 9.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NFL Draft QB Rankings
Stay tuned to all draft coverage next week, as rumors and speculation continue to heat up ahead of April 24.
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