Rams take Shedeur Sanders in new CBS Sports mock draft
The NFL draft speculation machine churned out yet another intriguing projection, this time from CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole. In his latest mock draft, Stackpole envisions the Los Angeles Rams selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The idea of Sanders landing with the Rams—an established franchise in a glamorous market, led by a quarterback-savvy coach in Sean McVay—presents a fascinating storyline. But beneath the surface of this bold prediction lies a mix of potential, risk, and strategic foresight that could shape the Rams’ future.
A Quarterback Succession Plan
The Rams have been anchored by Matthew Stafford since his arrival in 2021, a move that paid immediate dividends with a Super Bowl victory in his first season. Now 37 years old, Stafford remains a top-tier quarterback when healthy, capable of dissecting defenses with surgical precision. However, injuries have periodically sidelined him in recent years, and the clock is ticking on his illustrious career. General Manager Les Snead and McVay have yet to secure a long-term successor, leaving the franchise at a crossroads as they balance present contention with future stability.
Enter Shedeur Sanders, the poised and talented signal-caller from the University of Colorado. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has emerged as one of college football’s most polarizing prospects. Known for his pinpoint accuracy, strong arm, and ability to extend plays, he’s drawn comparisons to polished pocket passers with a modern twist. In Stackpole’s mock draft, Sanders unexpectedly slides to the late first round, a scenario that could tempt the Rams to pounce on a quarterback who many view as a top-10 talent.
Why Sanders Could Slip
Sanders’ draft stock has been a rollercoaster throughout the 2024 college season. Early projections pegged him as a near-lock for the top five, with some even touting him as the potential No. 1 overall pick. His stats back up the hype: in his two seasons at Colorado, Sanders has showcased elite production, completing nearly 70% of his passes for over 4,500 yards and maintaining an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to perform under pressure—often behind a shaky offensive line—further bolsters his case as a pro-ready quarterback.
Yet, whispers of concern have emerged. Some scouts question his off-field demeanor, pointing to moments of perceived immaturity or bravado that could rub NFL teams the wrong way. Additionally, his father Deion, a larger-than-life figure, has publicly suggested that Shedeur might only play for certain teams, potentially alienating franchises wary of external influence. If these factors cause Sanders to slide out of the top 10 or 15 picks, the Rams—sitting at No. 26—could find themselves in prime position to snag a quarterback with franchise-altering upside.
The Rams’ Perfect Storm
Los Angeles offers an ideal landing spot for Sanders. The Rams boast a well-run organization with a proven track record of developing talent and maximizing quarterback play. McVay’s offensive genius has turned Stafford into a late-career superstar, and the same system could ease Sanders’ transition to the NFL. With a roster featuring stars like Puka Nacua, and Devante Adams, and a stout defense led by young studs like Jared Verse, Sanders wouldn’t face immediate pressure to carry the team—a luxury few rookie quarterbacks enjoy.
Moreover, the Rams’ big-city appeal aligns with Sanders’ high-profile persona. Los Angeles is a media market that thrives on star power, and Sanders, with his famous lineage and confident swagger, fits the bill. Drafting him at No. 26 would also keep him on a cost-controlled rookie contract, giving the Rams financial flexibility as they navigate Stafford’s eventual departure.
The Risks of the Pick
Of course, selecting Sanders isn’t without its pitfalls. Using a first-round pick on a quarterback who won’t contribute in 2025—assuming Stafford remains the starter—means delaying help at other positions. The Rams’ defense, while talented, has holes in the secondary and linebacker corps that could be addressed with a premium selection. Waiting until their next pick, likely in the third round (No. 90), to bolster the roster could strain an already thin depth chart.
Sanders himself carries question marks. His tendency to hold the ball too long, a byproduct of Colorado’s porous offensive line, could lead to sacks and turnovers against NFL defenses. Additionally, his adjustment to McVay’s complex scheme might take time, especially if he’s accustomed to a more freelance style. The Rams would be betting on his long-term potential rather than immediate impact—a gamble for a team that’s prioritized winning now in recent years.
A Marriage of Opportunity and Vision
Stackpole’s projection hinges on an unlikely but plausible scenario: Sanders falling far enough for the Rams to justify the pick. While the consensus still views him as a top-10 prospect, draft boards vary wildly, and quarterback evaluations are notoriously subjective. If teams ahead of Los Angeles—such as the Giants, Raiders, or Browns—opt for other quarterbacks like Miami’s Cam Ward or pass on the position entirely, Sanders could indeed be available at No. 26.
For the Rams, this would represent a rare convergence of opportunity and vision. Snead has a history of bold moves, from trading for Stafford to drafting Jared Verse after years without a first-round pick. Taking Sanders could be the next chapter in that legacy, securing a quarterback to lead the franchise into the post-Stafford era. It’s a move that balances the Rams’ win-now ethos with a nod to the future—a tightrope walk McVay and Snead have mastered before.
The Bigger Picture
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Rams’ strategy will come into sharper focus. Will they stick with Stafford and address immediate needs, or will they seize a chance to draft a quarterback like Sanders if he falls into their lap? Stackpole’s mock draft may be speculative, but it underscores a critical truth: Los Angeles can’t ignore the quarterback question forever. Shedeur Sanders, with his tantalizing skill set and Hollywood-ready narrative, might just be the answer they’ve been waiting for.
In a league where timing is everything, the Rams and Sanders could be a match made in draft heaven—or a cautionary tale of reaching too soon. Only time, and the unpredictable chaos of draft night, will tell.
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