The Los Angeles Rams' decision to forgo drafting a quarterback in the recent NFL Draft may haunt them in the coming years. As the team heads into the 2025 season with Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Stetson Bennett, the uncertainty surrounding Stafford's future looms large. Analyst Kristopher Knox points out that while the Rams had opportunities to select promising talent like Shedeur Sanders, they opted to prioritize other needs, potentially leaving them scrambling for a franchise quarterback later.

Knox suggests that the Rams could have easily moved down in the draft to secure Sanders or considered other quarterback options like Jaxson Dart. The lack of a clear succession plan for Stafford raises questions about the team's long-term strategy. Without an immediate plan in place, the Rams risk facing challenges down the road, particularly when Stafford decides to retire. With two first-round picks in 2026, the Rams have potential pathways to find their next star quarterback, but they might regret not investing in the position sooner.

Travis Hunter tops the list of jersey sales from the 2025 NFL Draft, reflecting his immediate popularity and potential impact in the league. Shedeur Sanders, despite being a fifth-round pick for the Cleveland Browns, impressively ranks third in jersey sales, showcasing the enthusiasm surrounding him. As fans clamor for new gear, the leading jersey sales represent not just player popularity but a glimpse into the anticipated future stars of the NFL.

Among the top sellers are Cam Ward from the Tennessee Titans and Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighting the excitement surrounding their selections. Notably, the Chicago Bears' Colston Loveland rounds out the top ten, demonstrating interest across various franchises. The jersey sales give an early indication of the players whose careers fans are eager to follow.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision-making during the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike, particularly regarding their choice to pass on Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado. Despite speculation that the Steelers might target Sanders, it became clear that he was not a priority for the franchise as they opted instead for Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round. According to insider Gerry Dulac, the Steelers never intended to draft Sanders, indicating that even if he had been available in the later rounds, he was not viewed as a valuable asset.

Sanders' fall to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him, raised eyebrows, especially since Pittsburgh was reportedly keen on quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, whom they rated highly. Dulac emphasized that the Steelers had expressed little interest in Sanders, suggesting that their draft strategy did not align with the widespread predictions that placed him in their sights. With Sanders now in the AFC North, the Steelers may have to reckon with their decision as he continues to develop in a rival team's colors.

The Las Vegas Raiders' decision to trade for Geno Smith significantly altered their draft strategy, particularly regarding the highly anticipated Shedeur Sanders. As Sanders unexpectedly slipped down the draft boards, the Raiders had multiple opportunities to draft him but ultimately passed nine times before he was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Maxx Crosby, a star defensive end for the Raiders, expressed his disbelief regarding Sanders' fall, highlighting their personal relationship and the potential for a supportive environment within the Raiders' locker room. Despite this, the team concluded that selecting Sanders wasn't the right fit for them, a sentiment echoed across the league as many teams had similar chances to draft the young quarterback.