Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, faced a surprising slide in the NFL draft, with 102 picks and five quarterbacks chosen before him. Despite being considered a first-round talent, Sanders found himself still waiting after the second and third rounds. While he gained recognition for playing under his father’s coaching at Jackson State and Colorado, concerns about his sack rate, arm strength, and adaptability arose as the draft approached.

Teams opted for quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel ahead of Sanders, raising questions about his draft position. Even as the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints had opportunities to select him, they chose other prospects. Sanders, rated higher than Miami’s Cam Ward by some analysts initially, faced a longer wait than expected.

The draft also saw Michigan’s Will Johnson’s stock fall due to a reported knee issue, leading him to express frustration and determination to prove his worth. As the second round featured trades and selections from national champion Ohio State, the spotlight remained on prospects like Sanders and Johnson navigating the uncertainties of the draft process.

Despite visits to potential landing spots like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders remained unselected, leaving teams like the Steelers to focus on other positions. As the draft unfolded with surprises and strategic moves, prospects like Sanders and Johnson exemplified the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.