NFL media had its own clear-cut winner — and loser — on Day 1 of the draft

NFL media had its own clear-cut winner — and loser — on Day 1 of the draft

Teams are often coined winners and losers after the 2025 NFL Draft, but what about the media personalities who covered the event?

Well, there seems to have been a clear-cut winner and loser from Thursday night’s draft coverage.

Many have raved about Peter Schrager, the former NFL Network star who was just hired by ESPN in the last month, for his analysis and coverage on Pat McAfee’s 2025 Draft Spectacular.

Peter Schrager won over many NFL fans with his analysis during the NFL Draft’s first round. ESPN/ Pat McAfee Show

Meanwhile, on ESPN’s main stage, Mel Kiper Jr. ticked off just about every viewer aside from Shedeur Sanders and his friends and family.

Throughout the entire night, Kiper ceaselessly went on about his love for Sanders as a prospect.

“[Sanders is] my number one quarterback,” Kiper said before the draft.

Just before the тιтans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick, Kiper added, “Everything you want an NFL quarterback to be, [Sanders] has.”

He then went on to relentlessly compare Sanders to numerous legendary quarterbacks who had other quarterbacks, who turned out far less legendary, drafted ahead of them.

Mel Kiper Jr. raved out Shedeur Sanders a bit too much for many fans’ likings during round one of the NFL Draft. ESPN

Sanders is set to be the next Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Lamar Jackson, Johnny Unitas, Kurt Warner, Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre or Matt Ryan — if Kiper’s prediction holds true that the Colorado star is the next iconic quarterback who got wrongfully pᴀssed over.

The culmination of Kiper’s campaigning for Sanders came when tasked with analyzing quarterback Jaxson Dart after he was selected by the Giants with the 25th overall pick instead of Sanders.

Kiper’s first note on Dart heading to New York: “Well, I’m surprised he went ahead of Shedeur.”

He then added, “I like Jaxson Dart, I love Shedeur,” before continuing his parade of great quarterbacks who were pᴀssed in favor of others who turned out worse — insinuating this would wind up being the case with Dart and Sanders.

Jaxson Dart (right) was selected by the Giants despite many thinking that they would take Shedeur Sanders (left). AP

Social media clowned Kiper for his nonstop Sanders praise, with one user even saying that Kiper had to have been paid by Deion Sanders to speak so highly, and so much, about Shedeur Sanders all night long.

Schrager’s feedback has been just the opposite.

“Peter Schrager has been very good on McAfee,” The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand posted to X. “Probably should be on ESPN ‘s main show next year.”

Schrager burst onto the scene and impressed viewers by having an interesting story, tidbit or quote about essentially every prospect. 

“Peter Schrager was meant for this. Absolutely electric already,” another user posted. “You couldn’t ask for a better NFL draft media talent. Premium entertainment guaranteed all night long.”

Many suspect that Schrager may find his way onto ESPN’s main stage come this time next year. In the meantime, the Kiper Show continues.

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