ESPN has received backlash from viewers for sidelining Cam Ward's pivotal number one pick moment, with analysts choosing to focus on instead. During Thursday's 2025 NFL Draft kick-off, the Tennessee Titans selected Ward as their number one pick after months of anticipation since the season ended in February. But what should have been a spotlight on Ward was eclipsed on ESPN's broadcast - already under fire throughout the night - by discussions on Jacksonville Jaguars' blockbuster deal to climb to the second overall pick, and the unexpected slide of Sanders.

The big trade that saw the Jaguars secure Travis Hunter unmistakably warranted airtime due to its significance. However, fans slammed ESPN for fixating on Sanders at the expense of deserved attention.

Prior to the official announcement of the Titan's choice, commentators Mel Kiper Jr. and Louis Riddick notably diverted the conversation to a two-minute analysis of Sanders, whose first-round snub became one of the draft's shock turns.

The Colorado quarterback now faces a wait until Friday to find out his NFL destiny, but fans have aired their frustration on the broadcaster focusing on his demise in the Draft. One commented: "That was pathetic. Nobody cares about a 20th pick when the 1st pick is coming."

Meanwhile another viewer switched allegiances on screen, stating: "That's when I switched over to the @nflnetwork."

One fan claimed: "I get talking about the trade because that was shocking and major news for a once in a generation, unicorn player. The Sanders thing, though? Everyone and their mother knew Ward was going first. No need to pretend."

The New York Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick and subsequently traded back into the first round to pick Jaxson Dart at 25th overall. Many thought the Giants had traded back into the first round to grab Sanders, but he saw his draft capital drop even further heading into the second round.

Dart has an impressive college record, having played in 45 games with 41 starts. Last season, he completed 276 of 398 passes for 4,279 yards, scoring 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions, earning him a first-team All-SEC spot.

Sanders, on the other hand, will have to wait a bit longer. The Browns, who have two early picks in the second round and are in need of a quarterback, may consider adding the former Colorado Buffaloes star early in the second round.

During the 2024 college football season with Colorado, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions, achieving a nation-leading 74.2 percent completion rate. His impressive performance earned him the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given annually to the nation's top upperclassman quarterback in college football, as well as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award.

However, during his two-year stint with the Buffaloes, Sanders was sacked 94 times. This is not only worrying due to the heavy hits he took physically, but may also suggest that the 22-year-old tends to hold onto the ball for too long.

Regardless, it appears that the negative remarks resonated with some franchises as Sanders slipped out of the first round. The second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft are scheduled for Friday, April 25.