By Ross Jackson
Analysts often describe the 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class as weaker due to limited top-end options. Despite that, two names have been a constant atop the group as its standard bearers, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado passer Shedeur Sanders. At least, until now.
And if the New Orleans Saints are interested, they could be the benefactors of this changing landscape.
Since the NFL Scouting Combine, there has been a lack of stability in Sander’s stock. Some say that teams found him too arrogant during meetings in Indianapolis, other respected draft experts haven’t heard the same criticism. Some still have him atop the draft, going off the board within the first three selections, others like The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wouldn’t be surprised to see him fall out of the first round (subscription required).
“He is not a first-round quarterback for a lot of NFL teams,” Brugler wrote in a recent mock draft which sent Sanders to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall. “Which isn’t a major surprise (and matches my evaluation). But all it takes is one front office to roll the dice on his skill set.”
That’s a major departure from the previous expectations around Sanders’s value. But could be good news for the Saints, who wouldn’t shock by taking a swing at quarterback in this class. Especially a top option like Sanders.
We’ve Seen This Before
Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, two names sat atop the quarterback class throughout most of the process: Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis. Much like Ward and Sanders, they were initially considered the only two passers with the potential worth investing first-round picks to acquire.
Following the NFL Combine, two more names entered that conversation rather suddenly: Ole Miss passer Matt Corral and Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder. Much like this year’s late draft risers such as Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and recent rising darling Kyle McCord of Syracuse and Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
As the 2022 draft wrapped up, teams selected only one quarterback in the first two rounds: Kenny Pickett. Ridder (74), Willis (86) and Corral (94) all followed in the third round, respectively. This year’s quarterback class is starting to feel reminiscent of that one which the Saints avoided entirely.
Why This Could Be Different
New Orleans avoided the quarterback class in the 2022 draft. However, this year presents a completely different scenario. With an offensive-minded head coach now leading the team, grabbing a talented quarterback on a fall could be the ideal move.
Meanwhile, Brugler points out that while some teams haven’t given Sanders a first-round grade, at least one team could still draft him in the first round.
Position value, need, and future impact are all taken into consideration, as well. If Saints head coach Kellen Moore views Sanders as a franchise quarterback and the Colorado passer falls to No. 9 overall, that might be hard for New Orleans to pass up.
Should the Saints decide to use their No. 9 overall pick on another position, and if Sanders falls as he did in Brugler’s mock draft, New Orleans could take an aggressive approach. Given their history, what’s to stop them from trading back into the first round—using their No. 40 pick and additional compensation—to grab a sliding Sanders? In the end, such an investment could pay off if the team believes the young signal-caller has the potential to be a franchise quarterback.
Why it Works
One of the biggest reasons why Sanders and the Saints could work is their lack of need at starting quarterback. If New Orleans lucked into a top passer prospect in 2025, starting quarterback Derek Carr doesn’t need to be supplanted right away. The Saints could give Sanders time behind Carr and even behind second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, with an eye toward the future.
Of course, teams often feel tempted to put their shiny new acquisition on the field as quickly as possible. However, New Orleans has the flexibility to take a more patient approach—an option that sets them apart. In fact, a former Saints quarterback has already identified the team as one of the best landing spots for Sanders, highlighting the advantages of such a strategy.
Shedeur Sanders to the #Saints makes a lot of sense with Kellen Moore… https://t.co/OaZE2geacf pic.twitter.com/0xSqUYZAeR
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 31, 2025
The Saints have already taken time to meet with Sanders while at the NFL Combine, so an existing connection is there. While it’s hard to see the Saints trading up into the top three or five picks to draft him, it isn’t hard to see them snatch him up at No. 9 overall if available.
What About The Concerns?
If Sanders falls in the draft, teams should base it on their evaluations of his play rather than the confusing criticisms of his confidence.
NFL Insider Josina Anderson shared that Sanders was critiqued harshly for his confidence.
“I am disappointed to hear that a quarterbacks coach from a team drafting in the top 7 referred to Shedeur Sanders as coming off ‘brash’ and ‘arrogant’ in his team interview,” Anderson posted to X (formerly Twitter). “And making his assessment known to a number of people, per source.”
Despite the apparent recent changing of the tide, Sanders is a top quarterback in this year’s class. If he wasn’t confident and self-assured that would be concerning. If a quarterback lacks confidence and isn’t a little arrogant, I’m not so sure any NFL team should want them commanding their offense.
If he falls, it could turn into a great situation for the Saints.
