Shedeur Sanders' treatment by ESPN as first overall pick instead of Cam Ward angers NFL and Titans fans

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft came and went. There weren't a ton of surprises, with the start of the round playing out like many expected in of the players drafted. The biggest shocker ended up being Shedeur Sanders' slide out of the first round, which was hinted at by several reporters in the days leading up to the draft. Sanders had his own draft room set up, with Deion, family and friends present.

Instead, they all watched as several QB-needy teams ed over Sanders. What hurt more was likely Jaxson Dart being picked ahead of him as the second quarterback in the class, by the New York Giants in a trade-up near the end of the first round. Cam Ward, of course, was the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans. Yet, because of Sanders' name value, it didn't feel like Ward was the first player taken. And ESPN is being harshly blamed for it.

ESPN draft broadcast couldn't stop talking about Shedeur Sanders on draft night

Titans fans, and just NFL fans in general, couldn't help but notice that Ward's moment was completely overshadowed by Sanders on the ESPN broadcast. Many felt as if it was Sanders who was drafted, not Ward.

Many pointed out that Ward himself has an incredible story that should have been told much better and in more detail. Ward has a true underdog story, rising through the ranks of college football as a zero star recruit coming out of high school and eventually becoming the No. 1 overall pick.

The analysts in question are Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick and Booger McFarland. There's nothing wrong with all three being fans of Sanders, and they had every right to explain why they believe Sanders should have been QB1.

But taking the stage away from Ward during the biggest moment of his life was in poor taste. Especially for a player who wasn't even selected during the entire night.