NFL Draft intel: Is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders trailing in race for QB1?

Every week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay. 

From a Colorado quarterback to an LSU offensive lineman, listed below are 5 gamers we’re monitoring: 

Is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders not a QB1 candidate?

Sanders (6-foot-1, 212 kilos) did not work out on the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix on Feb. 27-March 3 in Indianapolis, the place he might have missed a chance to boost his inventory. 

“Lots of people wish to like Shedeur Sanders,” ESPN’s Matt Miller stated Tuesday on “The Dan Patrick Present.” “I do not get the sensation that groups love him, not the best way they do [Miami QB] Cam Ward. There is a sizeable hole proper now.”

In a narrative printed March 1, Miller stacked Ward (6-foot-2, 219 kilos) and Sanders in opposition to the 19 first-round QBs since 2020. Sanders ranked second to final, forward of Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Kenny Pickett, a former Pittsburgh Steelers starter.

Sanders — who accomplished 74 p.c of his passes in 13 begins in 2024 —  should make up floor at Large 12 professional days March 18-21 in Frisco, Texas. He is anticipated to throw on the occasion.

Texas WR Matthew Golden’s velocity has him flying up draft boards

On the mix, Golden (5-foot-11, 191 kilos) ran a 4.29-second 40-yard sprint, the quickest time amongst WRs.

On a March 1 episode of his podcast, The Ringer’s Todd McShay recommended Golden may cross Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan (6-foot-4, 219 kilos) because the draft’s WR1.

“[Golden’s] crispness and sharpness on the soccer subject is his secret sauce,” McShay stated. “I feel when it is all stated and executed, I am gonna have him as my No. 1 receiver.” 

McMillan had 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight TD catches in 12 video games in 2024. Golden, in the meantime, logged 58 receptions for 987 yards and 9 TD catches in 16 video games.

May Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart be a top-10 choose?

On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Mike Sando launched his mock draft that includes ideas from 5 NFL executives. One had the New York Jets taking Dart — who tossed 29 TD passes in 13 begins in 2024 — with choose No. 7.

“They gotta get a quarterback, and this may be the place Jaxson Dart goes,” the exec. advised Sando. “They’re sitting there with Tyrod Taylor as their starter proper now.”

Professional Soccer Focus’ Nick Akridge gave the 6-foot-2, 223-pounder a second- or third-round grade.

Sando’s 2024 mock appropriately predicted 5 of the draft’s top-10 picks. 

Is Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten a top-five RB within the class? 

On the mix, Tuten ranked first amongst RBs within the 40-yard sprint (4.32 seconds) and vertical bounce (40.5 inches). 

On Thursday, CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso gave Tuten (5-foot-9, 206 kilos) a second-round grade after his spectacular efficiency.

“[Tuten] went into the mix as my RB3 on this class forward of [North Carolina’s] Omarion Hampton,” wrote Trapasso. “He needs to be one of many first 5 operating backs off the board after his athleticism clinic in Indianapolis.”

In two seasons at Virginia Tech, Tuten — a North Carolina A&T switch — rushed for two,022 yards and 25 touchdowns on 356 carries.

Is LSU offensive sort out Will Campbell’s arm size a priority?

Campbell’s arm size was measured at 32 5/8 inches on the mix, which can make enjoying sort out within the NFL harder. In accordance with ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, a 34-inch arm size is taken into account the “minimal benchmark” for the league’s high pass-rushers. 

Campbell, nevertheless, insists his arm size does not matter. On March 1, he advised Legwold, “You may go take a look at my tape, there’s not one play on there that once I get beat you say that is as a result of he has shorter arms.”

Per PFF, Campbell (6-foot-6, 319 kilos) allowed simply 4 sacks in three seasons at LSU. He additionally earned a 2024 first-team All-American nod.

Maybe that is why the OT’s arm size does not appear to be affecting his inventory. In his newest mock draft, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has the Jacksonville Jaguars taking Campbell with choose No. 5.