Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have long been expected to be the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but recent reports suggest that teams at the top of the draft order may not be as enthusiastic about either player as previously assumed. While both quarterbacks have showcased immense talent and promise, there appears to be growing uncertainty about whether they are truly franchise-altering prospects.
The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants hold the first three picks in the upcoming draft, and all three teams have an undeniable need at the quarterback position.
However, rather than solidifying their plans to select a signal-caller, there is increasing speculation that at least two of these teams—particularly Tennessee and Cleveland—are seriously considering trading back.
This hesitation has raised questions about how Sanders and Ward are being evaluated by NFL front offices.
A Troubling Sign for the 2025 QB Class?
SNY’s Connor Hughes shared an eye-opening observation on social media that has only fueled skepticism surrounding the quarterbacks in this year’s draft.
“Had someone sum up the quarterbacks in this year’s class this way and I can’t stop thinking about it. The teams picking No. 1 & 2 need QBs, yet both are willing/want to trade back,” Hughes wrote on X Monday.
Hughes’ comment underscores a significant concern—if the teams most in need of a franchise quarterback are hesitant to draft one at the top of the board, what does that say about the perceived strength of this year’s class?
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Pre-Draft Smokescreens or Genuine Concern?
It is always difficult to discern reality from strategic misinformation in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Teams often leak information to gain leverage in trade negotiations, whether by creating bidding wars for their pick or by feigning interest in a player to force rivals into hasty decisions.
In the case of the Titans, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, trade rumors have been swirling for weeks. While some of this could be posturing to drum up interest from quarterback-needy teams looking to move up, it could also indicate a genuine reluctance to use the pick on either Sanders or Ward.
A stark contrast can be drawn between this year’s quarterback class and the 2024 class, which featured three widely regarded top-tier prospects. Caleb Williams was the undisputed No. 1 overall pick for the Chicago Bears, and the Washington Commanders were locked in on Jayden Daniels at No. 2.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye at No. 3, solidifying a clear top tier of quarterbacks. There was little debate over whether these three would go at the top of the draft—it was simply a matter of which team would take which player.
This year, however, the uncertainty surrounding Sanders and Ward is palpable. Unlike last year, there is no consensus on who the top quarterback prospect is, and there is even speculation that neither may be taken with the first overall pick.
This lack of clarity has only fueled speculation that some teams may prefer to trade back rather than commit to a quarterback who doesn’t fit the typical No. 1 overall mold.
Shedeur Sanders’ Bold NFL Combine Promise
Despite the concerns surrounding this year’s class, Shedeur Sanders has remained confident in his abilities and potential. During the NFL Combine, he made a bold promise to teams, attempting to reassure them of his readiness to lead an NFL franchise.
Whether teams buy into his confidence remains to be seen, but the trade chatter suggests that franchises at the top of the draft may not be completely sold on him—or Ward—as surefire franchise quarterbacks.
What Comes Next?
As the draft approaches, the rumors surrounding potential trades at the top of the board will likely continue to gain traction. If Tennessee, Cleveland, or New York ultimately decide to move back, it could signal that teams are wary of using a premium pick on either Sanders or Ward.
Conversely, if a quarterback-needy team aggressively trades up, it may indicate that there is more belief in these prospects than current reports suggest.
One thing is certain—this year’s draft process will be far less predictable than last year’s, and the uncertainty surrounding Sanders and Ward will only intensify as the draft draws closer.
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