Shedeur Sanders fuels Raiders QB speculation with Geno Smith photo

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, is one of the two highly ranked QBs in a relatively poor 2025 Draft class.

Shedeur Sanders fuels Raiders QB speculation with Geno Smith photo

Geno Smith, Shedeur Sanders (Images via Seahawks Draft Blog/AP News/X)

A recent social media post featuring Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Las Vegas Raiders’ newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith has reignited speculation about the team’s draft plans. The image has sparked discussions on whether the Raiders are still considering Sanders as a future franchise quarterback.

Earlier in the offseason, Sanders was frequently linked to the Raiders. His father, Colorado college football program’s head coach Deion Sanders, openly advocated for Las Vegas to select his son in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Raiders’ bold trade for Geno Smith had shifted the attention away (for the time being) from the Shedeur Sanders rumors.

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Now, with Sanders and Smith pictured together, the conversation is back in full swing. Many are wondering if the Raiders still have their eyes on Sanders as a long-term project. Even with Smith under center, Las Vegas could see an opportunity to develop the young quarterback behind an experienced veteran.

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NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein has remained optimistic about Sanders despite his fluctuating stock.

He’s seen mixed results under an intensely bright spotlight, but there are no signs his confidence has ever wavered. Sanders possesses a baseline of poise, savvy and accuracy, traits that are integral in becoming an NFL starter.

Lance Zierlein wrote for nfl.com

Sanders had an impressive college career, setting multiple records at both Jackson State and Colorado. He threw for a total of 14,347 passing yards and 134 touchdowns with just 27 interceptions. In his final season at Colorado, he led the program with 4,134 passing yards, a 74.0% completion rate, and 37 touchdowns, breaking several school records.

Could Sanders’ stock drop work in the Raiders’ favor?

While Shedeur Sanders was once projected as a top-5 pick, his draft stock has taken a hit due to concerns about his arm strength, pocket movement, and decision-making. Some scouts believe his mechanics need refining, and his tendency to hold on to the ball too long could be an issue in the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via Imago)

That being said, a drop in draft position could work in the Las Vegas Raiders’ favor. If Sanders slips behind, Las Vegas could take him. However, the Raiders will hope that Sanders could fall beyond the first round, an unimaginable thing. This could allow them to draft him without the pressure of using their No. 6 overall pick. The first-round pick could potentially be Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

From a strategic standpoint, this move would align with what many successful franchises have done in recent years. The Kansas City Chiefs allowed Patrick Mahomes to sit behind Alex Smith for a full season before handing him the reins. The Green Bay Packers did the same with Jordan Love, giving him time to develop behind Aaron Rodgers. If the Raiders believe in Sanders’ long-term potential, they could follow a similar blueprint.

Should the Las Vegas Raiders draft Shedeur Sanders?

As it stands, they have a good chance to draft the young player. However, there is ample noise warning that they should be cautious about the same.

Apart from his obvious playmaking problems, FOX analyst Chris Broussard had a different reason as to why the Raiders should not draft Shedeur Sanders. In his segment on the First Things First, Broussard commented that Deion Sanders might become a headache for the Raiders management if Shedeur plays there.

If you’re the Raiders, because you know Deion, where there’s a strong chance Deion wants him playing right away. So if I’m the Raiders, I don’t want that headache because I would think Geno’s my quarterback for the next two, three years. Yes. So no, they shouldn’t draft him.

Chris Broussard noted

The whole thing has a strong resemblance to one of the most striking deals of this century. The 2004 Annual Player Selection saw Eli Manning being traded 45 minutes after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers to the New York Giants. There was a father in play there as well, creating a ruckus for the team involved.

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