Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has sparked plenty of debate this draft season — but not for Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. He’s made his stance clear: Sanders is his guy.
Portnoy took to X to voice his support, throwing himself behind Sanders in a bold declaration to his 3.6 million followers.
Dave Portnoy Believes in Shedeur Sanders
Portnoy posted, “I consider myself a Qb expert. I love Shedeur Sanders. I’d take him #1 overall. Please put a pin in this tweet so I can say I told you so when I’m proven to be correct.”
It’s unlikely that Portnoy will get his wish with the No. 1 overall pick. Barring a major change, it appears the Tennessee Titans — who hold the top selection in the 2025 NFL Draft — are set to take Miami’s Cam Ward.
Still, Portnoy could be proven right in the long run if Sanders ends up in a better situation and has the stronger career. Much will depend on where each quarterback lands. The Titans are not known for organizational stability.
On the other hand, if Sanders slips to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21, he’d be joining a franchise that hasn’t posted a losing season since 2003.
Sanders has one of the widest projected draft ranges among quarterbacks this year. He could go as high as No. 3 to the New York Giants, or he could slide toward the end of the first round.
Both the Giants and Cleveland Browns — who pick at No. 2 and No. 3 — are seen as quarterback-needy teams. If they pass on him, April 24 could be a long night for Sanders.
Sanders Remains a Divisive Prospect Despite Strong College Numbers
Statistically, Sanders had a standout season. He led all of college football in completion percentage at 74%, throwing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Ward, by comparison, finished with 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
However, scouts and evaluators are split. Many see Ward as the higher-ceiling prospect due to his arm strength and athleticism. Sanders, a traditional pocket passer, finished with negative rushing yards last season. He would fit a rare archetype in today’s mobile quarterback era.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, some league sources do not view Sanders as a first-round talent, which could result in him slipping further than expected. Still, Portnoy — and likely others — remain confident Sanders will prove the doubters wrong.
In PFSN’s most recent mock draft from Cameron Sheath, Sanders is projected to go No. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints.
Sheath wrote, “I originally penciled in this pick with the idea that Sanders could sit for a year. But with Derek Carr now trending towards missing the 2025 season with a shoulder injury, Sanders could find himself thrust into a starting role.
“I do not doubt that Sanders has the mental strength to deal with an immediate starting job, but it would be ideal for him to iron out a few creases before being folded in half by NFL pass rushers.
“The Saints have continued to push their financial problems into the future (why pay if you don’t have to, right?) and reportedly restructured Carr’s deal again during the offseason. With a now-desperate need at quarterback, Sanders would allow the Saints to compete in 2025, while his rookie contract would allow them to balance the books in the long term.”