Mel Kiper Jr. explains why he has Shedeur Sanders going to the Saints at No. 9 in his latest mock draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, excitement is building around the potential transactions and selections that could redefine teams' futures. Notably, Mel Kiper Jr. has generated buzz with his latest mock draft, projecting that Colorado's Shedeur Sanders may land with the New Orleans Saints as the ninth overall pick. This highlights the increasing intrigue surrounding quarterbacks in this year's draft, especially given Sanders' impressive performance metrics, including a 74% completion rating, which led the FBS last season. While Sanders is often regarded as the second-best quarterback in this class, analysts have noted a significant variability in where he could land, with potential picks ranging from as high as No. 2 to potentially sliding out of the top 10 entirely. This uncertainty reflects a landscape where teams are weighing multiple factors, including performance consistency and adaptability to professional gameplay. Kiper's analysis suggests that teams like the Browns and Giants are considering Sanders, which could lead to unexpected outcomes on draft night. His review also emphasizes the balance between raw talent and gameplay experience, noting the impact of Sanders' struggles with pressure and sack rates, a mix that has evaluators divided. The article expands on several other prospects in the draft, discussing their expected placement and potential to fit within NFL schemes. The excitement is palpable as both analysts and teams prepare for the draft, eager to identify the next wave of stars that could emerge from this class. With less than two weeks until the draft, all eyes will be on the strategies teams employ and how these potential draftees will adapt to the rigors of the NFL. Overall, Kiper's insights shed light on the unpredictability of the draft while ensuring that audience readers remain informed of potential outcomes and emerging talents, backed by comprehensive scouting analysis. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence to provide a more thorough understanding of the draft dynamics and player evaluations.