ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is still riding with Shedeur Sanders.
Dan Orlovsky, another ESPN analyst, has established himself as a firm believer in Alabama’s Ty Simpson during the pre-draft process, and it has drawn comparisons to Kiper’s adamant belief in Sanders last year. Kiper weighed in on that Wednesday by saying Orlovsky is entitled to his opinion and should stick to it, even if the majority of the NFL disagrees.
“You don’t need to get backed up by somebody in the league that maybe agrees, or anybody in the media, or anybody that’s an analyst, because Dan Orlovsky had that opinion,” Kiper said. “I had that same feeling about Shedeur Sanders last year. I still believe strongly in Shedeur and what he can do in Cleveland.”
"I had the same feeling about Shedeur Sanders last year. I still believe strongly in Shedeur and what he can do in Cleveland. So hold to it. Don't let anybody talk you out of it" – Mel Kiper Jr. on Dan Orlovsky's affinity for Ty Simpson pic.twitter.com/RQhWp9zTFU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 15, 2026
Kiper’s belief in Sanders became the stuff of legend last year. When the quarterback dropped to the fifth round of the draft, Kiper had an on-air meltdown. It was later suggested that Kiper probably should have done more homework to back up his belief, but he still has not moved off it.
Sanders has not exactly validated Kiper’s belief, though he hasn’t made the analyst look terrible, either. He threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, though he did make the Pro Bowl. On the other hand, it does sound like he will have to re-earn his starting job.
