BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 NFL Draft plans reportedly took a sudden turn in the fifth round after communication with one of college football’s biggest names. According to multiple league sources who spoke with ESPN, the Ravens were prepared to select former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the No. 141 overall pick.
However, before Baltimore could submit the selection card, Sanders made it clear through his representatives that he did not want to join the Ravens’ roster. The reason, sources said, was simple: Lamar Jackson.
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league, has been entrenched as Baltimore’s franchise quarterback since 2018. Sanders, who had just wrapped up a standout season under his father, Hall of Famer Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, reportedly believed his path to playing time would be blocked for years if he landed in Baltimore.
“Shedeur respects Lamar and what he’s accomplished, but he’s a competitor,” one source familiar with the situation told ESPN. “He wants to go somewhere that will give him a legitimate chance to get on the field sooner rather than later. That wasn’t going to happen with Lamar in Baltimore.”
The message was reportedly relayed to the Ravens’ front office shortly before their fifth-round selection was due. Rather than risk taking a quarterback who was unwilling to commit to the organization, Baltimore shifted their focus and selected Carson Vinson, an offensive lineman, with the 141st pick.
The decision underscores the unique circumstances surrounding Sanders’ draft stock. Viewed by many scouts as a potential Day 2 talent, Sanders fell to the fifth round largely because teams were unsure where he wanted to play — and how committed he would be to a backup role.
This type of pre-draft communication is not unprecedented in the NFL. Top quarterbacks often have some level of input in where they land, though teams usually maintain final say. In Sanders’ case, his camp made it clear that he preferred to be in a situation where there was either a quarterback competition or a veteran starter nearing the end of his tenure.
Sanders’ stance reflects a growing trend of high-profile prospects exercising more influence over their landing spots, even beyond the first round.
For the Ravens, passing on Sanders was a practical decision. Jackson is under contract through 2027 after signing a record-setting deal last offseason, and the team has consistently emphasized building around him rather than grooming a long-term successor. Baltimore has also invested in backup quarterback depth in recent years, including re-signing Tyler Huntley, who has filled in effectively when Jackson has missed games.
Sanders, meanwhile, is expected to compete for a starting role with whichever team ultimately drafts him or signs him as an undrafted free agent. His combination of arm talent, poise, and football IQ made him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
The Ravens’ pivot to select Vinson highlights their commitment to bolstering the offensive line to protect Jackson — an area that has been a priority since the star quarterback suffered injuries in consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023.
While Sanders’ decision closed the door on what could have been one of the league’s most fascinating quarterback rooms, it may have opened the door for him to find a team willing to give him a more immediate opportunity to play.
