Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders thought they had their quarterback problems solved when they traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith this past offseason.
Before that trade, many had the Raiders taking then University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round of the draft. All that seemed to go out of the window when the Raiders got Smith. But the first round was not the only opportunity the Silver and Black had of drafting Sanders.
Even with having Smith as their starter, they could still have drafted a quarterback to sit behind Smith and learn and develop. The Raiders did not go with that plan and instead went with selecting other position players. Sanders, by many's surprise, dropped all the way to the fifth round of the draft, after being viewed as a first-round pick leading up to draft night. That is where the Raiders did not jump at the opportunity to draft him. Instead, he was selected by the Cleveland Browns.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to be a high pick in next April's NFL draft. | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Fast forward to Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, andSanderswill be making his first career start against the Silver and Black in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium. This season, the Raiders have had struggles at the quarterback position, and Smith has not produced up to the standards he or what the Raiders thought they were getting this offseason. All the struggles the Raiders are having would have indicated that they have a rookie starting at the position.
"That's a good question because we visited with him, and I talked to him a little extra and was just trying to understand where he's coming from, realizing that he'd been under enormous pressure growing up and all that just naturally with the pops that he had and all that," said Raiders head coach Pete Carroll about Sanders.
de
Nov 16, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) drops back to pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
"And I was just curious how he's handled it and dealt with it. He's got a really good outlook on the world and how he deals with all of the stressors and all of the things that come his way. I really liked him. He's a piano player, well-versed, and I was impressed with the kid."
Sanders will now get to show what the Raiders missed out on today. Sanders will be rolling into Allegiant Stadium with full confidence after getting first-team reps all week long with the starters. Sanders has something to prove, and he gets his first chance against a team he thought would draft him.
cfd
Apr 25, 2025; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll at a news conference introducing Ashton Jeanty as the first round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Raiders when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. Not only is it 100% FREE, but we also don’t spam you or sell your information. SIGN UP HERE NOW.
Find us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and @EZTrez_SI and weigh in on the Raiders. While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to discuss this game.