Shedeur Sanders Reportedly Prefers to Avoid Top 3 NFL Draft Teams, Eyes Better Fit Elsewhere

Publicly, Shedeur Sanders and his inner circle have projected confidence and openness about where the quarterback might land in the upcoming NFL Draft, expressing that they’re comfortable with any team selecting him, at any position.

But according to ESPN’s Louis Riddick, that may not reflect the full truth.

Speaking Wednesday on First Take, Riddick suggested that Sanders and his camp would actually prefer he not be selected by any of the teams currently holding the top three picks—namely, the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, or New York Giants. This insight isn’t just speculation: Riddick has a known relationship with Shedeur’s father, Deion Sanders, and the two have a history of mutual support—Deion even publicly backed Riddick during his candidacy for the Jets’ general manager role.

“I hope he doesn’t go in the top three,” Riddick said. “And I think his camp would tell you the same thing. There are other teams they want to go to.”

Later in the day, Riddick clarified his comments in a conversation with Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, emphasizing that there are specific teams he sees as better fits for Shedeur’s skillset and long-term success. Among those teams, he highlighted the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders as potentially ideal landing spots.

According to Riddick, Deion Sanders shares this line of thinking. “Every kid and every parent wants to be drafted as high as possible,” he told Cabot, “but sometimes sliding in the draft ends up being the best thing that could happen. It’s not the end of the world—it could actually lead to a better outcome.”

The larger point echoes a growing conversation in professional sports: players, especially in the NFL, have very little control over where they start their careers. While most industries allow employees to choose their company and location, pro athletes are bound to a draft system that often leaves them at the mercy of struggling franchises.

However, very few prospects have openly tried to control their landing spot—especially in the social media era, where fan perception can turn quickly. The draft is treated like a spectacle, with players expected to smile and accept whatever fate the league delivers.

For Shedeur Sanders, it might not ultimately matter. Many analysts believe he won't be picked within the top three anyway. The Raiders at No. 6 and Saints at No. 9 are more realistic options, and there’s growing speculation that if he slips past New Orleans, a team may trade up into the mid-to-late first round to secure him—possibly as late as pick No. 21, where the Steelers currently sit.

Either way, the Sanders camp may be quietly hoping that the draft shakes out on their terms, even if they aren’t saying it out loud.