It might be a year overdue for fans, but finally in 2025, the team will acquire its future quarterback in a major draft-day trade. And the quarterback they're aiming for is Shedeur Sanders, the controversial Colorado star who gained attention in college football last year but faced challenges when the Buffaloes struggled after the first three games. Raiders This prediction comes from ESPN, which revealed draft analyst Jordan Reid’s early mock draft last week. With fewer top-rated quarterbacks in 2025, Reid believes the Raiders will be able to trade up to No. 6 to try to draft Sanders, who is seen by many as the top QB prospect in 2025. A talented group of pass catchers would be waiting for Sanders, for sure.On the offensive side, the Raiders can set up a young passer really well with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Brock Bowers. Sanders is known for his precise ball placement (69.3% completion rate last season, eighth in the FBS) and composure in the pocket, according to Reid.
That is According to ESPN, Sanders had a strong start at Colorado.After two successful seasons at Jackson State, Shedeur Sanders moved to Boulder last year and made a big impact, especially with his Colorado debut against 16-ranked TCU. He went on to have a hot streak, ending up with a 3-0 record, 1,451 yards, and 10 touchdowns in three games against major-conference opponents.
However, the Buffaloes struggled after the impressive start, finishing 1-7. Sanders considered entering the 2024 NFL draft, but concerns arose about his skills as a pocket-passer and his ability to manage game time.
“With Last year’s draft saw six quarterbacks picked in the first 12 selections, so Sanders chose to stay in school. He believes that if he had entered the draft, he would have been the top pick. At the very least, he might have ensured that the Raiders had a quarterback still available at No. 13., Sanders expressed his confidence in his abilities, stating that he has faced more adversity and changes than any other quarterback. He also highlighted the pressure he faced moving from a historically Black college to a Power Five program and being the son of Deion Sanders. and Sanders has been involved in controversy elsewhere. When defensive back Xavier Smith transferred out of Colorado, he criticized Deion Sanders, and when Smith responded, Sanders insulted him. He was also labeled 'controversial' after his actions towards the Arizona State student section last season. It might not be a good image for a leader, but the Raiders have not been a team to avoid controversy.
The more important question is whether the Raiders believe they will require a quarterback after 2024. It’s completely possible that either
Gardner MinshewthAidan O’Connell —the team’s current pair—earns the position, leads a playoff push and alleviates concerns about the position. If not, maybe it’s Sanders' time. He just needs to improve, at least on the field.
“He faced 52 sacks in 2023 behind a struggling offensive line, so Sanders’ internal clock must quicken before he reaches the next level; he tends to make matters worse by holding on to the ball too long. But he has a lot of talent and can definitely be the solution for Las Vegas. I see a lot of similarities to
in his game,” Reid wrote.
The Raiders might not need a quarterback after 2024 but if they do, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado would be the perfect fit, as per ESPN. Sports Illustrated’s Brice Butler during Super Bowl week. “I don’t see a quarterback that went through as much adversity as me, that had four [offensive coordinators] in four years.
“Coming from an HBCU, coming to a Power Five [program], having real pressure on me. A lot of people don’t understand, that’s a lot more adversity than you think just even being the son of Deion Sanders.”
Raiders Might Welcome Controversy at QB
Sanders has courted controversy elsewhere, too. Last week, after defensive back Xavier Smith transferred out of Colorado, he told The Athletic that Deion Sanders “never even tried to get to know me,” Shedeur snapped back, calling Smith “very mid” and saying he did not know who he was.
Ion even remember him tbh. Bro had to be very mid at best. https://t.co/qwK48Ys0Et
— Shedeur Sanders (@ShedeurSanders) April 30, 2024
He was also dubbed “controversial” last season after he taunted the Arizona State student section following one of Colorado’s four wins.
Not a good look for a leader. But the Raiders have never been a team to shy away from controversy.
The bigger question is whether the Raiders feel they need a quarterback after 2024. It’s entirely possible that either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell—the team’s current tandem—wins the job, leads a playoff run and puts fears about the position to the side.
If not, maybe it’s Sanders season. He just needs to get better, at least on the field.
“He took 52 sacks in 2023 behind a struggling offensive line, so Sanders’ internal clock must speed up before he gets to the next level; he tends to compound mistakes by holding on to the ball too long. But he has a ton of talent and can certainly be the answer for Las Vegas. I see a lot of similarities to Geno Smith in his game,” Reid wrote.
