Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward (Photos via USA Today)
With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the quarterback conversation is picking up steam. It involves two top quarterbacks of this class: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.

Both have shown flashes of potential, but it is ultimately up to NFL teams to determine which one will be better suited for them.

One NFL analyst just made a bold prediction about the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper is choosing Sanders over Cam Ward ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“I’m going to go Shedeur Sanders,” Kiper said in a recent interview.

“I’m going to be steadfast in that, I’ve had him #1, QB1 all along, really since last year. I love everything about the kid. Well, you’re going to say he takes too many sacks. Yes, he has to get the ball out faster, but he dealt with NFL conditions. Who had to deal with what you’re going to deal with in the NFL, what you’re going to have to survive in the NFL. He survived hit after hit, how he did it I don’t know.”

Kiper added that he sees Sanders’ ability inside the pocket leading him to having a better career than Ward.

“When you look at Shedeur, accuracy, slip and slide in the pocket,” Kiper explained. “Yes, he can get you a 3rd-and-8 first down. People say well, he’s going to run the 4.8’s. Patrick Mahomes ran a 4.84. He doesn’t have an explosive arm, neither did Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning. We talk about explosive arms, you don’t need to have that. Tom Brady is another one who didn’t have an explosive arm or explosive legs at 5.24 [40-yard dash]. You can win in the NFL, you can win big in the NFL going about your business like Shedeur Sanders does.”

Sanders had 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdown throws and eight interceptions at Colorado in 2024.

Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns during the 2024 season while leading the Hurricanes to an appearance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Draft Still Has Cam Ward As The No. 1 Overall Pick Over Shedeur Sanders

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently explained why Shedeur Sanders will have a better career than Cam Ward.

However, his actual mock draft had a different message.

In his latest mock draft released on Tuesday, Kiper projected Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans.

He had Shedeur heading to the New York Giants at three.

The biggest surprise of his mock draft was Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart’s selection by the New Orleans Saints at No. 9.

Many things could change as Ward may not be a lock to the Titans as they could very well trade out of the spot.

Their only quarterback move in free agency was to sign Brandon Allen.