NFL Coach Ranks Shedeur Sanders over Cam Ward, Says He's 'Safer' Pick in 2025 Draft

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could claim the spot as the first quarterback off the board at the 2025 NFL draft.

Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reported that some coaches around the NFL view Sanders as "the safer pick" over Miami quarterback Cam Ward, despite Ward having a "higher ceiling" than Sanders.

"The thing that scares me with [Ward] is some of the risks he does take ... you can't do that at this level," an AFC coach told Oyefusi.

The AFC coach also described Sanders as "very accurate" and praised his "really good footwork" as a trait that could help him translate to the NFL level.

Sanders spent the last two seasons as the starting quarterback at Colorado after starting his career at FCS Jackson State. He threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record. He finished eighth for the Heisman Trophy and was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Ward spent 2024 with Miami, throwing for 4,313 yards with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the Hurricanes to a 10-3 record. He finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and was named an All-American.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department views Ward as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 8 overall prospect in the draft class and Sanders as the No. 2 quarterback and No. 16 overall prospect in the class. Still, some of Sanders' traits could make him more appealing to a team over Ward, who could rise higher in the end but also could fall short in the wrong situation.

The draft is scheduled for April 24-26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.