Shedeur Sanders might be the most unpredictable prospect in the 2025 NFL draft.

Thus far, it is a complete mystery whether he will end up in the top three with the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns, suffer an Aaron Rodgers-like fall to the back half of the first round, or something in between.

The only thing we know for sure is that he won’t be the Tennessee Titans’ No. 1 overall pick. At this point, that honor seems to belong to Miami’s Cam Ward.

On Tuesday, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. took his best stab at predicting where Sanders would ultimately end up—and it’s not as far down as many would have predicted.

Per Kiper, the New Orleans Saints will pick Sanders with the No. 9 overall pick, securing their quarterback of the future under new head coach Kellen Moore.

“If Sanders doesn’t go to the Giants, there aren’t many clear landing spots for him in the top 10 … and he could slide,” Kiper said. “I could see a team trading up for him — maybe even the Saints, who have nine picks — but most of these rosters are already set at quarterback. This is a great outcome for New Orleans, though. I like this match a lot.”

The good news for Sanders is that he will not only get top-10 money after being selected in that spot but also get to sit and learn behind a veteran in Derek Carr.

Carr, of course, is heading into his 12th season as an NFL quarterback, and his third year with the Saints.

And Kiper believes that situation would be ideal for Sanders to learn and grow at the NFL level before taking over as a starter.

“Sanders is my top-ranked quarterback, and his accuracy jumps off the tape. He completed 74% of his throws last season despite being under constant pressure. Playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns. And he wouldn’t be forced to play right away. Derek Carr, 34, will be with the Saints for at least another season; Sanders could learn behind him before taking over.”

As for the Saints, it is only a matter of time before they must address their quarterback of the future position behind Carr, who is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

So why not start with Sanders, who many considered the top quarterback in the class until Cam Ward’s late surge?