During the 2025 NFL Draft, a heated moment unfolded on ESPN as Mel Kiper, the network’s lead analyst, expressed his frustration over the unexpected slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Kiper, who had ranked Sanders as the fifth overall player on his draft board, could not understand why the talented former Colorado quarterback fell to the fifth round, ultimately being picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Kiper’s passionate remarks drew attention, particularly from his colleague Rece Davis, who hosted the coverage for the later rounds. Davis interjected during the broadcast, suggesting that shouting at the NFL about the draft decisions was unproductive. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the players and the situation at hand.
In a recent interview, Davis clarified that he did not perceive any animosity between himself and Kiper. He acknowledged the dynamic nature of their discussions, stating that challenging each other’s views is part of their job. Davis praised Kiper’s contributions to the draft process, noting that Kiper’s insights have significantly shaped how the event is viewed today.
Kiper’s comments during the draft included strong language, calling the NFL "clueless" regarding quarterback evaluations. He expressed disbelief that a player he regarded so highly could drop so far. Despite Sanders’ eventual selection, Kiper maintained his stance, insisting that the league’s decision-making was baffling.
Davis, while respecting Kiper’s expertise, highlighted the need for a balanced perspective. He pointed out that something must have influenced teams’ decisions regarding Sanders, suggesting that his pre-draft interviews may have raised concerns. Davis argued that while Kiper’s rankings are valuable, they should also consider the broader context of why a player might fall in the draft.
The discussion around Sanders’ draft position reflects the ongoing debates about player evaluations and the complexities of the draft process. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Sanders will perform in the NFL and what this means for the teams that passed on him.