With the NFL Draft only days away, teams are finalizing their last bits of research. On Thursday, April 24, 32 teams will help change the lives of these young athletes. During that time, we will also witness some impactful trades. This quarterback’s falling draft stock could directly benefit the New York Jets. After Cam Ward likely gets picked on the board, the world will wait to see where Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is drafted, too. With rumored interest from this AFC North team, could they want to trade up in the draft to select him? If Shedeur Sanders makes it past the top five picks, can the Pittsburgh Steelers trade up for him?
Could QB’s Draft Day Slide Benefit the Jets?
The 2025 NFL Draft begins next Thursday. After weeks of planning and offseason moves, the league welcomes a new draft class to help add to its franchises. Two quarterbacks are expected to be chosen among the first 32 picks. In what has been the talk of the class, it’s presumed the Tennessee Titans will be selecting University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick. The Hurricanes quarterback lit it up in the ACC last year. Through 13 games, Ward threw 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. While completing 67% of his passes. If provided with the right support, Ward should be a productive quarterback in Nashville. However, Ward isn’t the only quarterback that’s drawing interest in the first round.
Could Shedeur Sanders fall out of the top five?
After Cam Ward, the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft is Shedeur Sanders out of Colorado. While being the son of Hall of Famer & Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur has earned this shot through his skills. After joining his father and future Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado, Sanders was a valuable piece of the Buffaloes’ offense. Through two seasons, Sanders completed a staggering 71.8 % of his passes for 7,364 yards and 64 TDs to only 13 interceptions. Any team that drafts Shedeur Sanders will get a great young quarterback. However, despite these accolades, Sanders could wind up still on the board past the fifth pick.
After the Titans select Cam Ward, it was expected that the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants would want to draft Sanders. However, recent offseason activity suggests they might be interested in a different direction. After trading for Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles and signing Joe Flacco, the Browns have been interested in Travis Hunter, too. As for the Giants, the signings of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson suggest they will go best player available. After them, the Patriots and Jaguars both won’t want Sanders with Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence on their rosters. With the Raiders committed to Geno Smith, he could even make it past six. If available, the Jets could draft Sanders. While Sanders would be an upgrade over Justin Fields, the Jets can benefit from Shedeur Sanders differently.
Jets should trade down if Shedeur Sanders is on the board
Shedeur Sanders can make an impact early in the right offense. He is a skilled passer, a committed leader, and can extend plays to create opportunities for his receivers. However, the Jets don’t have the structure in place to have him succeed right away. With this first year of the regime, they need to set a precedent on how to operate. But Sanders’ draft day fall can help benefit New York by trading back.
With significant dead cap money and no third-round pick in next year’s draft, it would be wise for the team to acquire more draft capital. What team would be interested in a move like this? The Pittsburgh Steelers would be the ideal trade partner here. After news of the team’s interest in Sanders and support from head coach Mike Tomlin, Shedeur Sanders would make an impact in Pittsburgh. To his benefit, the team added DK Metcalf to the wide receiver room this offseason. Pairing Mecalf with Pickens gives Sanders a dangerous combination at wide receiver for him to utilize. In addition to running back Jaylen Warren and a tight end like Pat Friermuth, Pittsburgh would be perfect for him.
What would a potential trade look like?
If Sanders is available at the seventh pick, the Steelers can provide New York with compensation. Despite not owning a second-round pick this year, Pittsburgh owns both its third-round picks over the next two years. Currently, the Steelers have the 21st overall pick. Due to the significance of the jump, the Steelers would likely have to include either a second-round pick or an additional third-round pick. While not a cheap price, it will be worth it to secure the Steelers’ quarterback of the future.
As for New York, the drop from seven to 21 is significant, they can still add an impact talent. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland would be a great selection for the offense. As well, offensive tackles like Josh Simmons, Grey Zabel, and Josh Conerly Jr are all available. Either of those three would be a great long-term right tackle. At wide receiver, Matthew Golden from Texas or Missouri’s Luther Burden III would still be on the board. Although it means giving up another top 10 pick back-to-back years, grabbing a player who can help like Olu Fashanu last year would be great for New York.
Main Photo: [Michael Ciaglo] – USA Today Sports
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