The 2025 NFL Draft became a significant talking point in the sports media landscape, particularly due to the surprising outcome for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Ranked as the top quarterback prospect by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and a predicted first- or second-round selection by many analysts, Sanders unexpectedly fell out of the first round, and even the second and third rounds, before being picked in the fifth round as the 144th overall choice by the Cleveland Browns.
During the draft, the discourse around Shedeur Sanders, dubbed “Shediscourse,” captured the attention of audiences nationwide. The Athletic’s sports media reporters Richard Deitsch and Andrew Marchand, along with sports business editor Dan Shanoff, analyzed Kiper's intense reaction to Sanders' draft position. Shanoff noted that Kiper, a revered figure in draft analysis, found himself in a perplexing situation as his evaluation of Sanders contradicted the consensus of NFL teams. His fervent defense of Sanders, especially during the lead-up to the first overall pick, highlighted the disconnect between Kiper’s views and the reality of the draft.
Kiper’s emotional outbursts on live television were particularly telling. As the draft progressed and other quarterbacks were selected, Kiper's frustration grew, culminating in a dramatic moment when the Browns chose Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. His response, “Disgusting!” encapsulated his disbelief at Sanders' continued absence from the draft board.
When Sanders was finally selected, Kiper's reaction was electric, as if he had been waiting for this moment for over 42 hours. His enthusiasm spoke volumes about the emotional investment he had in Sanders' journey. The subsequent discussion among the ESPN crew, particularly between Rece Davis and Louis Reddick, probed deeper into what Sanders could learn from this experience. Kiper's passionate claim that “The NFL has been CLUELESS evaluating quarterbacks!” was met with both intrigue and criticism, as his colleagues urged him to temper his excitement.
This year's NFL Draft also served as a reflection of the media's role in shaping narratives. Deitsch pointed out that the draft is not just a football event but a major television production. The extensive coverage, from the scouting combine to the draft itself, creates a spectacle that captivates audiences. Kiper’s intense focus on Sanders made him a central figure in the media narrative, which in turn influenced how fans perceived the event.
As Deitsch observed, the tone of coverage varied significantly between ESPN and other networks like the NFL Network, which maintained a more measured approach. This contrast highlighted the performative aspect of sports media, where sensationalism can often overshadow the actual analysis.
Ultimately, the 2025 NFL Draft was as much about Shedeur Sanders as it was about Mel Kiper’s passionate advocacy for him. Marchand noted that while Kiper's predictions may not have aligned with the league's evaluations, his role in the media landscape remains significant. The narrative surrounding Sanders, who is the son of a legendary athlete and coach, is one for the ages, and Kiper's involvement only adds to its complexity.
As this story continues to unfold, the implications of Sanders’ draft position and Kiper’s analysis will be scrutinized for years to come. The 2025 NFL Draft will surely be remembered not only for its outcomes but for the conversations it ignited within the sports media community.
