The 2025 NFL Draft was marked by the unexpected decline of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who fell to the fifth round, ultimately being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick. Notably, the Las Vegas Raiders, a team prospective to draft a quarterback, notably bypassed Sanders seven times before he was chosen.
Before the draft, there was speculation that the Raiders might target Sanders, especially given Tom Brady’s partial ownership stake in the franchise and his long-standing relationship with the Sanders family. Fans and analysts alike expected Brady’s influence could play a significant role in the team’s drafting decisions.
In a recent interview on the “Impaulsive” podcast, Brady addressed why Sanders fell so low in the draft, stating he was not involved in the quarterback evaluation process: “It’s a good question… I wasn’t a part of any evaluation process.” However, this response seems to conflict with a statement from Raiders general manager John Spytek, who claimed he spent an entire day with Brady evaluating college quarterbacks leading up to the draft. Spytek emphasized Brady’s expertise in quarterback play, which raises questions about the Raiders’ decision to overlook Sanders.
Additionally, Raiders owner Mark Davis previously expressed his desire for Brady to have a significant influence within the organization, particularly in regards to roster decisions. This set the stage for expectations surrounding the draft, as fans anticipated Brady’s involvement would impact the selection process.
Interestingly, although the Raiders passed on Sanders, they did select a quarterback later in the draft, taking Cam Miller from North Dakota State in the sixth round. Brady evaluated Miller’s skills, suggesting that he had a potential for growth, further fueling speculation on why Sanders was not similarly valued.
Despite being overlooked, Brady reached out to Sanders after the draft to offer encouragement, which could signal a commitment to support the young quarterback in overcoming the disappointment of falling in the draft.
This overarching narrative reflects the intricacies of drafting decisions in the NFL, highlighting how evaluations, relationships, and organizational strategies intertwine. As the new season approaches, both Sanders and Miller may have unique paths that could defy initial projections.