New Orleans Saints, Kellen Moore Perfect Fit For Shedeur Sanders? 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and one of the biggest stories heading into the festivities is where Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be picked. In a mock draft, Sanders was linked to the New Orleans Saints at No. 9.

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images / Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and one of the biggest stories heading into the festivities is where Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be drafted. At Jackson State, the thought of Shedeur being a first-round pick wasn’t taken seriously by the masses. After Sanders’ first season with the Buffs, it was scoffed at after the Buffaloes' hot start cooled off with a long losing streak and poor offensive play, although Sanders himself never looked out of his league. 

Now, after a record-setting career and an All-American season where he became one of the most efficient passers in college football history, Sanders is all but a lock for the first round of the draft. Sanders has been projected as high as the No. 2 overall pick, but the consensus is somewhere in the first round. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr has Shedeur heading to the Big Easy and joining Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, and others with the New Orleans Saints, who hold the No. 9 overall pick. 

Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball in the second half against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“If Sanders doesn't go to the Giants, there aren't many clear landing spots for him in the top 10 ... and he could slide. I could see a team trading up for him, maybe even the Saints, who have nine picks -- but most of these rosters are already set at quarterback. This is a great outcome for New Orleans, though. I like this match a lot.” Kiper said.

“Sanders is my top-ranked quarterback, and his accuracy jumps off the tape. He completed 74% of his throws last season despite being under constant pressure. Playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns. And he wouldn't be forced to play right away. Derek Carr, 34, will be with the Saints for at least another season; Sanders could learn behind him before taking over.”

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Kiper makes an interesting point with the fact that the Saints are a dome team. A rookie quarterback not having to worry about the elements for at least half of their games and going to a division that’s not the deepest in terms of elite teams would be an added benefit for a player like Sanders. For all the talk about Sanders and his persona, the young quarterback is very self-reflective and understands he has to improve to see himself at his best in the NFL.

"I got to get ready mentally early [in games] because I know early on, some games I wasn't taking the completions coach was calling," Sanders said. "Sometimes I was trying to make too much happen. ... And sometimes I got caught up playing hero ball, but I understand where I messed up, and now I'm going to fix it at the next level." said Sanders as he self assessed his own shortcomings.

Nov 17, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws a pass against the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images / James Snook-Imagn Images

With Kellen Moore now getting his turn as a head coach in New Orleans, Sanders could great benefit from Moore’s knowledge of helping young quarterbacks develop into stars. Moore has helped players like Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts have success and is coming off a season where he helped the Philadelphia Eagles claim their second Super Bowl trophy in the last seven seasons. 

Shedeur in New Orleans could be a match that catches people by surprise, but also be a fruitful pairing for both entities. 

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