Unveiling reasons why Raiders overlooked Shedeur Sanders. Does it indicate loyalty towards Geno Smith?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 2, 2025, 21:25 IST

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The Raiders’ decision to overlook Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft raised questions about loyalty to Geno Smith. While some suggest Pete Carroll’s influence played a role, others argue the move was a risky gamble. If Sanders succeeds in Cleveland, Vegas might regret passing on a high-upside rookie in favor of playing it safe.

Raiders overlooked Shedeur Sanders in NFL draft (Image via: Getty Images)

The 2025 NFL Draft had its fair share of curveballs, but one of the most baffling came courtesy of the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite months of buzz linking them to Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback never landed in Vegas. Instead, he fell all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns made the move the Raiders wouldn’t. For a franchise still searching for a long-term solution under center, the decision has left fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong.

Did Raiders overlook Shedeur Sanders for all the wrong reasons?

Shedeur Sanders Conference Call: 2025 NFL Draft

Heading into the draft, many viewed Shedeur Sanders as a potential fit for Las Vegas, a dynamic playmaker with leadership traits, football pedigree, and media appeal. With veteran QB Geno Smith under contract but approaching 35, the idea of grooming a successor made perfect sense.

Yet the Raiders never prioritized Sanders. Instead, they used their later picks on developmental names like Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott, athletes with upside, sure, but not the high-profile prospect Sanders represented.

Inside the Raiders’ risky QB Draft decision

According to The Athletic, an NFL executive suggested head coach Pete Carroll’s long standing relationship with Geno Smith may have influenced the call. “Pete doesn’t want to do Geno like Atlanta did Cousins,” the source said, referencing the Falcons' bold move to draft Michael Penix Jr. despite signing Kirk Cousins just weeks earlier. But is maintaining harmony with a veteran QB a valid reason to bypass a talented, high-upside rookie?
In today’s NFL, sentimentality rarely leads to success. If Carroll allowed personal history to overshadow long-term planning, that’s a gamble the Raiders can’t afford. Quarterback is the most critical position in the game, if you believe a prospect can lead your franchise for the next decade, you make the move. Period.
Also Read: Shedeur Sanders’ arrogance and Deion’s overconfidence cost him $50 Million, NFL insiders reveal
It’s also possible Las Vegas simply didn’t view Shedeur Sanders as a future star, preferring to wait for what’s expected to be a stronger 2026 quarterback class. But by letting Sanders land in Cleveland, they’ve opened the door to years of comparisons and second-guessing.
If Shedeur succeeds in the AFC North, the Raiders might regret playing it too safe in the 2025 draft.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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