For the 46th year in a row, ESPN brought the NFL Draft to living rooms across the country. But this time, it didn’t land the way the network probably hoped. Viewers weren’t just disappointed- they were frustrated, annoyed, and flat-out fed up.
The biggest issue? Fans believe ESPN turned the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft into a Shedeur Sanders infomercial. From the start of the broadcast, the coverage leaned heavily into Sanders’ college highlights and storylines. Even as teams made their picks, ESPN kept circling back to the Colorado quarterback. By the time the first round wrapped and Sanders remained undrafted, fans had seen enough- and they weren’t quiet about it.
Social Media Reacts To Over-The-Top Sanders Coverage
ESPN’s draft panel, led by Mike Greenberg, included longtime analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Booger McFarland, and Louis Riddick. All three repeatedly pushed the idea that Sanders was a top-10 talent. That stance didn’t sit well with viewers, especially when the Tennessee Titans selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick and ESPN kept airing Sanders highlights instead.
One fan on X said, “ESPN disrespected the hell out of Cam Ward”
ESPN disrespected the hell out of Cam Ward
— Leclerc al Gaib (@sharl_leclerc16) April 25, 2025
Another viewer wrote, “Is Shedeur Sanders the only player ESPN is allowed to talk about?“ That sentiment echoed across social media, as fans called out the network for seemingly ignoring the actual picks in favor of pushing a narrative.
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Is Shedeur Sanders the only player ESPN is allowed to talk about? pic.twitter.com/JA9qjXyVBL
— Paul Lambert (@MeatSauce1) April 24, 2025
As Sanders continued to slide down the board, ESPN doubled down. The panel grew visibly more frustrated, hoping the Pittsburgh Steelers would grab Sanders with the 21st pick. When they passed, Kiper went on a passionate rant that only fueled more backlash.
Another wrote, “How is it possible for ESPN’s Draft Expert, to work all year, and come to the conclusion that Sanders is the best player in the draft.”
How is it possible for ESPN’s Draft Expert, to work all year, and come to the conclusion that Sanders is the best player in the draft. Only for him to not be drafted in the first round? Somebody needs to be fired.
— Bryan Leonard (@BLeonardSports) April 25, 2025
The criticism didn’t stop there. A social media user bluntly said, “Shedeur Sanders at the end of round 2 when ESPN cuts to his house:”
Shedeur Sanders at the end of round 2 when ESPN cuts to his house: pic.twitter.com/2uHhNilZRv
— Ultra MAGA Colo303 🍊 (@gril887) April 25, 2025
With Sanders expected to feature prominently again during Day 2 of the draft, viewers are already bracing for more of the same. ABC will pick up the coverage at 7 p.m. ET- but if ESPN’s approach doesn’t shift, the criticism likely won’t either.
Also Read: 10 NFL Prospects In The 2025 NFL Draft That Will Be Busts
