Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady finally cleared the air regarding Shedeur Sanders recently—plus, is there more offensive line help on the way for the Silver and Black?
Why did the Raiders and Tom Brady pass on Shedeur Sanders?
The 2025 NFL draft, despite being a three-day event, was highlighted by Sanders—his drop from potential top-five pick to Day 3 selection was something to behold. While several teams, including the Raiders, were linked to Sanders via “reports” and mock drafts, they passed on him, as did every NFL team.
However, what was interesting was that despite Brady and Sanders’ mentor-pupil relationship, the team where he now holds influence as a minority owner passed on the young polarizing quarterback.
Well, Brady, while appearing on the show IMPAULSIVE, cleared the air on that matter. How could such a talented individual drop so far in the draft?
It’s a good question. I wasn’t a part of any evaluation process or to see that. I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well, and I said, ‘Dude, whatever happens, wherever you go, that’s your first day. Day two matters more than the draft. I was pick number 199. Yeah. So, who could speak on it better than me, what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re going to get your chances. Go take advantage of it.’
If you decide to trust Brady here, that’s on you. NFL owners know how to say the correct things and present them so that it absolves them. Brady’s accurate in terms of how Sanders can grab all of this and find inspiration, though. That worked out great when the Raiders owner was once passed on by every team as well.
Speaking of quarterbacks…
Regardless of who the Raiders quarterback is, they need protection and the team is now predicted to add more reinforcements.
The offensive line is one of those position groups where you can never have too much of a good thing. According to Pro Football Focus, the Raiders could still use help along the trenches. So who did they have in mind for the Silver and Black? PFF’s Mason Cameron lists veteran guard Will Hernandez as a noteworthy option.
Will Hernandez profiles as a solid depth option. A torn ACL ended his 2024 season in Week 5, but his overall marks as a pass protector (91st percentile) and run blocker (81st percentile on gap runs) over the past three seasons would be an asset to the Raiders’ offense.
You could argue that Hernandez would be an instant starter at the left guard slot. Behind him, you’d have Jordan Meredith and Alex Cappa. While the Raiders rely on veteran Hernandez, they can groom and develop Caleb Rogers. The Raiders have the cap space ($36 million, per Over The Cap) so why not ensure new quarterback Geno Smith is well protected?
*Top Photo: Getty Images