The buzz around Shedeur Sanders’ pre-draft journey just intensified. The Colorado quarterback is scheduled to visit the Las Vegas Raiders next Monday, and the implications are intriguing. Even though the Raiders recently acquired Geno Smith and signed him to a two-year deal, they appear to be keeping their options open at quarterback. This signals that the team may still be in the market for a young signal-caller, and Sanders is very much in that conversation.
Sanders’ draft projection has been a point of debate in recent weeks. Depending on who you ask, he’s either a mid-first-round sleeper or a second-round wildcard. But many insiders believe he’s trending toward being a Top-5 pick. That projection makes his potential fit with the Raiders—who currently own the sixth overall pick—even more compelling.
While the sixth pick might seem a bit high considering Las Vegas just added a veteran in Smith, there’s a scenario where Sanders slides down the draft board. If that happens, the Raiders could consider trading up from their second-round slot (No. 37) to snag him, especially since teams like the Browns and Giants—both in need of quarterbacks—pick right before them. The move would be aggressive, but not out of the question.
There’s also a notable connection with Sanders’ father, Deion “Prime” Sanders. Last year, Deion encouraged then-Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce to pursue both of his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. While Pierce is no longer with the team, the Raiders still offer an appealing destination. The team’s glitzy Las Vegas setting, strong market appeal, and the presence of Tom Brady as a part-owner make it a compelling fit for the Sanders brand.
From a developmental standpoint, Las Vegas might actually be an ideal landing spot for Shedeur. Sitting behind an experienced quarterback like Geno Smith would give him time to adjust to the NFL game without the pressure of starting immediately. Sanders possesses clear arm talent, strong leadership qualities, and the pedigree to succeed—he just needs the right environment to grow.
As the draft approaches, the Raiders have officially become a team to keep a close eye on. Whether at pick No. 6 or via a trade-up from No. 37, their interest in Sanders could turn into one of the more fascinating storylines of the draft.
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