Scoop City: A Show About the NFL Episode: Why did Shedeur Sanders Fall in the NFL Draft and Mike Sando Previews His QB Tiers
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Hosts: Dianna Rossini (Senior NFL Insider, The Athletic) and Chase Daniel (Longtime NFL Quarterback)
Guest: Mike Sando (Senior Writer, The Athletic)

Introduction

In this episode of Scoop City: A Show About the NFL, hosts Dianna Rossini and Chase Daniel delve deep into one of the most surprising outcomes of the recent NFL Draft: the fall of Shedeur Sanders. Joined by senior writer Mike Sando, they analyze the multifaceted reasons behind Sanders' unexpected draft position and preview upcoming quarterback tiers, providing listeners with insider perspectives and expert analysis.

Shedor Sanders' Draft Fall

Dianna Rossini opens the discussion by highlighting that Shedeur Sanders remains the most talked-about figure of the draft weekend, capturing attention even outside traditional football circles.

Chase Daniel ([06:07]) shares his surprise at Sanders' draft position:

"Shedor Sanders maybe not a first-round talent. He is a talented quarterback, probably the second or third most talented in this draft, but he was not taken in the second or third round."

He emphasizes that despite his talent, Sanders' perceived lack of elite status and the intangible factors associated with his draft process led teams to overlook him.

Key Reasons Discussed:

• Intangibles and Character Concerns: Teams often overlook character or medical issues when a player's talent justifies it. In Sanders' case, the lack of compelling intangibles cost him draft stock.
• Interview Performance: According to an NFL executive, Sanders approached team visits more as a recruiting trip rather than a job interview. This misalignment in demeanor and preparedness negatively impacted team perceptions ([10:28]).
• Lack of Representation: Chase Daniel suggests that not having an experienced NFL agent may have hindered Sanders' ability to effectively present himself to teams ([16:06]).

Diana Rossini ([04:08]) adds:

"We saw a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes. We saw a lot of draft rooms, but there's a lot more going on than you even realize."

Mike Sando ([31:28]) explains:

"The interviews were terrible, and people still take quarterbacks early without overthinking. It's different for the quarterback position, where teams consider the dynamics of their quarterback room and potential distractions."

Implications for Shedeur Sanders

Advice for Sanders: Chase Daniel ([17:23]) advises Sanders to focus on the present and work diligently:

"Put your head down and work. Don't let your past be your past. Learn from it, move on, and focus on being one of the 100 quarterbacks in the NFL."

He outlines the challenges Sanders will face as a fifth-round quarterback, emphasizing the importance of learning the playbook and striving to compete for a starting position.

Mike Sando ([32:50]) adds:

"Shedor Sanders fell because he was seen as a backup that could bring media distractions rather than a surefire starter."

Other Quarterbacks Discussed

Jackson Dart and the New York Giants: Chase Daniel ([20:32]) discusses why Jackson Dart was selected by the Giants:

"Jackson Dart has the potential to be a first-round quarterback talent-wise. His running ability and fit within Brian Daboll's offense made him an attractive pick."

Chase also touches on other quarterbacks like Tyler Shook, Caleb Williams, and their potential impacts on their respective teams.

Trades and Team Moves

Cleveland Browns and Travis Hunter Trade: Mike Sando ([34:40]) explains the reasoning behind the Browns' move:

"Cleveland knew they weren't going to solve their quarterback situation immediately. Trading for Travis Hunter was a strategic move to gain a first-round pick next year."

They discuss the unpredictability of Travis Hunter's potential to dominate at two positions and how this trade positions the Browns for future success.

Mike Sando’s Insights on QB Tiers

Mike Sando ([41:56]) shares his quarterback tier assessments:

• Caleb Williams: Expected to languish in Tier 3 but with potential if paired with the right coaching staff.
• Other QBs like Jaden Daniels: Anticipated to surprise with top-tier evaluations.

Dianna Rossini ([43:54]) inquires about the process:

"You start working on QB tiers after the draft because you need to know where everyone is."

Mike Sando outlines the criteria and timing for updating quarterback tiers, emphasizing the importance of draft outcomes and team needs in shaping these evaluations ([43:55]).

Biggest Winners and Losers of the Draft

Winners:

• New England Patriots: Dianna praises their strategic moves, including drafting a star running back and reinforcing their offensive line.

  "New England had a really strong off-season. They're top three for me as the biggest winners."

• Chicago Bears: Both Dianna and Chase agree that the Bears emerged as the draft winners due to their comprehensive strategy, particularly in building around quarterback Caleb Williams and strengthening their offensive line.

Losers:

• Shedeur Sanders: Identified as the primary loser due to his significant drop from his anticipated draft position.

  "Financially, this is a huge deal. He lost over $35 million."

• **Other teams that failed to capitalize on key picks or manage high-profile players effectively were briefly mentioned, though specifics were limited.

Other Notable Discussions

• Brock Purdy Contract with the 49ers: Mike Sando ([37:55]) discusses the potential contract negotiations, predicting a reasonable deal around $50 million.

• George Pickens Trade Speculations: Chase Daniel ([26:10]) and Diana Rossini explore the possibility of Pickens staying with the Steelers due to his strong relationship with Mike Tomlin or being traded for significant assets.

• Overall Draft Reception: The hosts note the unprecedented attention the draft received, surpassing events like the NBA Finals in viewership, highlighting the growing interest in the NFL Draft.

Conclusion and Future Episodes

Dianna Rossini wraps up the episode by reflecting on the complexities of draft reporting and the importance of trust with their audience:

"Scoop City always strives to provide accurate information despite the challenges of navigating lies and smoke screens during the draft."

She encourages listener engagement through comments and social media for future episodes, focusing on the evolving offseason and continued analysis of quarterback movements and team strategies.

Chase Daniel adds a final note on maintaining positivity while acknowledging the financial and professional setbacks experienced by players like Shedeur Sanders.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Chase Daniel ([06:07]):

  "Shedor Sanders maybe not a first-round talent. He is a talented quarterback, probably the second or third most talented in this draft, but he was not taken in the second or third round."

• Dianna Rossini ([10:28]):

  "We told you last week that at one point towards the end of the season, the New York Giants had Shador Sanders on their board ranked number one."

• Chase Daniel ([16:06]):

  "There's a little bit of blurred lines of communication at times... an agent would have been nice."

• Mike Sando ([31:28]):

  "The interviews were terrible, and people still take quarterbacks early without overthinking. It's different for the quarterback position."

• Chase Daniel ([17:23]):

  "Put your head down and work. Don't let your past be your past. Learn from it, move on, and focus on being one of the 100 quarterbacks in the NFL."

• Chase Daniel ([56:04]):

  "It's Shador Sanders. But the whole world's talking about you."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Scoop City provides an in-depth analysis of Shedeur Sanders' surprising draft fall, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing NFL Draft decisions. With expert insights from both on-field and off-field perspectives, the hosts and guest deliver a nuanced discussion that caters to both avid football fans and casual listeners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of the NFL Draft.