As happens often during the NFL draft, the first round becomes about who was not taken, rather than who was.

That certainly was the case on Thursday night, as Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders slipped all the way out of the first round and became a national story. There were two quarterbacks taken on Day 1 of the draft — Miami’s Cam Ward No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans, and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart at No. 25 by the New York Giants.

Sanders — son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders — was not present in Green Bay for the draft, instead watching with friends and family at a draft party at his home in the Dallas area. After the first round was complete, he briefly addressed supporters, looking ahead to Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders said, in a video posted to social media. “But I feel like with God, everything is possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. This is just fuel to the fire. Under no circumstances, we all know this shouldn’t have happened.

“But we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow is the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”

Sanders wasn’t the only one surprised he wasn’t picked in Round 1. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranted about it all night long.

“I’m amazed right now that he’s still on the board,” Kiper said, after the first 20 picks passed without Sanders being selected.

Many believed Sanders wouldn’t get past Pittsburgh at No. 21, but the Steelers instead chose Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. That made it likely that anyone taking a quarterback would have to trade back into the first round.

The Giants made just such a move, but instead took Dart. Kiper indicated he believed that was a mistake.

“Surprised he went ahead of Shedeur, not shocked, because (Giants coach Brian) Daboll wants more mobility. Dart can beat a team with his legs,” Kiper said. “… Now the concern for me, and the reason I’m a Shedeur guy — in the big spots, did you come up big? And Shedeur did.

“I like Jaxson Dart. I love Shedeur. We’ll see how it works out.”

So where might Sanders wind up once the draft resumes on Friday? Kiper believes it could be New Orleans, which has the eighth pick of the second round, No. 40 overall.

The Saints have a need at quarterback, with Derek Carr’s status uncertain after shoulder surgery. New Orleans used its first-round pick (No. 9 overall) on Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks.

“I still believe, and I’m gonna keep saying it until I’m proven wrong — the New Orleans Saints are the perfect fit,” Kiper said. “… For Shedeur, that dome would help him so much, give him a chance to have the great career that he’s capable of.”

The 2025 NFL draft resumes at 6 p.m. Friday, with television coverage on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.