Mel Kiper delivers clear message to Raiders while dropping verdict on Shedeur Sanders & Cam Ward's draft stock

Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are two of the hottest commodities to enter as quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many NFL franchises have been linked to acquiring their signal-calling services, but in his latest draft evaluation, Mel Kiper Jr. focuses on the Las Vegas Raiders.

In his latest rankings, Kiper pointed out the need for Las Vegas to make a bold move.

“If you’re the Raiders, you’re probably going to have to move up to get one of these two because, guess what, who’s the third quarterback? Ain’t nobody you’re excited about,” Kiper said.

The Colorado quarterback remains Kiper’s top-ranked quarterback, thanks to an amazing 2024 season. “Sanders does it differently,” Kiper explained, praising his pocket-passing precision. Sanders completed 74% of his passes for 4,171 yards and 37 touchdowns.

“It’s one and one-A between Sanders and Ward,” Kiper added, stressing their close competition.

“Ward’s ability to improvise sets him apart,” Kiper said, hailing Ward’s FBS-leading 39 touchdowns and 4,313 passing yards. “These two are different—you can’t compare them because they bring unique skill sets,” Kiper said. [30:47]

For the Raiders, Kiper’s message is clear: “Teams will be vying to move up. If you want one of these two, you better be ready to pay the price.”

Shedeur Sanders discusses hairstyle amidst 2025 NFL Draft talks

Shedeur is keeping it real when it comes to his looks and his future. The Buffaloes QB made headlines last year when he ditched his signature braids for a sharper, more “professional” haircut. But for the 2025 NFL Draft, Coach Prime’s son is clear— his current style is here to stay.

On the "2Legendary" podcast, Shedeur joked about his hairline before setting the record straight.

“Yeah, I’m going dreads. Nah, I’m gonna keep what I got right now. I’m good, bro. You think hairlines matter, bro? Performance is what matters. Everything else doesn’t matter,” Sanders said. [14:30]

Other news regarding the 2025 NFL Draft is that Shedeur Sanders won’t attend it at Lambeau Field.

“Draft plans? I think we’re doing it in Colorado. I’m not going. I don’t know too many details about it, but I know it’s gonna be in Colorado. So, that’s all I know,” he said. [20:24]

Favored to be the No. 1 pick, Sanders’ NFL destination remains a mystery.