Shedeur Sanders: A Polarizing Prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders, fresh off winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award and being named second-team AP All-American, enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a potentially high-round pick. His collegiate career boasts impressive stats, but NFL scouts remain divided on his pro readiness.
Sanders’ Collegiate Achievements and Draft Projection
Sanders is projected as a potential first or second-round pick. Over 50 college starts, including time at Jackson State and Colorado, he completed 70.1% of his passes for 14,347 yards and 134 touchdowns, with 27 interceptions. In his final season, he lead the FBS with a 74% completion rate and threw for a school-record 37 touchdowns and 4,134 yards.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses
An NFC quarterbacks coach praised Sanders’ passing ability, stating, “Shedeur is a really, really talented passer. Not elite arm strength, but I don’t think it’s anything that will hinder you.” An NFC assistant coach highlighted Sanders’ ability to throw to all levels,quick release,mobility,and toughness.
However, concerns remain. The assistant coach noted Sanders needs to improve on working through progressions, suggesting that the presence of a standout receiver like Travis Hunter sometimes limited his need to do so. His tendency to take sacks, sometimes holding onto the ball too long, is another area needing refinement.
NFL Readiness: Contrasting Opinions
An NFC executive lauded Sanders’ “wow” throws but emphasized the need to improve in structured situations, such as pocket presence and check-downs. One NFC coordinator compared his college tape to that of Caleb Williams, but without Williams’ elite arm talent. This coordinator expressed reservations about Sanders’ ability to translate his college play style,which involved extending plays,to the NFL level without notable advancement in decision-making and pocket presence.
Impact on Colorado’s Football program
Sanders’ arrival at colorado significantly improved the team’s performance. After a 1-11 season prior to his arrival, the team improved to 4-8 and then 9-4 under Sanders at quarterback, though they struggled against ranked opponents, going 1-7 in those games.
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Stock: Doubts Arise Despite Accuracy
Evaluations from NFL scouts and coaches reveal concerns about athleticism, arm strength and maturity as Sanders eyes the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders Receives Mixed Reviews From NFL Scouts
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes’ star quarterback, faces a challenging path to becoming a top NFL draft pick. While lauded for his accuracy, evaluations from NFL scouts and coaches reveal concerns about his athleticism, arm strength, and overall readiness for the league. One notable former NFL scout and personnel assistant released their final big board, ranking Sanders as the 20th-ranked player in the 2025 class [[1](https://www.si.com/college/colorado/football/colorado-buffaloes-shedeur-sanders-receives-final-2025-nfl-draft-grade-first-round-pick-new-orleans-saints-pittsburgh-steelers)].
Arm Strength and Athleticism Under Scrutiny
Sanders’ size, listed at 6-foot-1 1/2 and 212 pounds, coupled with what some scouts perceive as a limited athletic profile, contributes to the hesitation among NFL teams. An NFC coordinator noted, “There’s just a lack of a ton of juice in his arm. He’s not incredibly athletic.” While acknowledging Sanders’ accuracy, the coordinator suggested he might be more suited as a backup who could potentially develop into a fringe starter.
System Fit is Key for Sanders’ success
An AFC quarterbacks coach emphasized the importance of Sanders landing in the right system. ”I think he needs to be in a specific system that caters to his skill set, which is getting the ball out quickly,” the coach stated. He believes Sanders possesses sufficient arm strength for short to intermediate throws but sees a decline in power downfield. The coach suggested a system similar to the one drew Brees thrived in, focusing on quick reads and timely throws.
Comparisons and Concerns About “Entitlement”
One AFC scout drew a comparison between Sanders and Geno Smith, but with less arm strength. While recognizing flashes of understanding coverages,the scout also raised concerns about Sanders’ character,noting “entitlement and special treatment” observed at events like the East-West Shrine game and the NFL combine. The scout added,”The NFL’s still a meritocracy and you have to come in and earn it. It’s a man’s league, and he’s going to have to do it on his own.”
Unique Upbringing and maturity Questions
Sanders’ unique background, as the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, adds another layer to the evaluation process. Having been coached almost exclusively by his father, some scouts worry about his ability to adapt to a customary NFL locker room environment. An AFC coordinator pointed out, “The dude’s only played for his dad. When things go wrong, it’s not his fault. He takes a sack, he blames the O-line.”
Team Support Amidst the Hype
Despite the external pressures and limelight,one veteran NFC executive noted that Sanders’ teammates seem to support him.”It seems like his [teammates] like him. They back him, even with all the limelight stuff and going in a different car to the game. It truly seems like they back him more.”
Culture Shock Ahead?
An NFC scouting director, after extensive background work, summarized the situation: “When you hear all the anecdotal stories about the person, it’s not that he’s a bad kid. He has been so insulated. It’s going to be a culture shock when he really learns how a locker room really operates and how it really works inside a building…everything’s been catered to him.” This highlights the potential challenges Sanders might face transitioning to the NFL’s demanding and competitive environment.
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Stock: A Polarizing Prospect
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, is generating considerable buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, but opinions on his potential vary widely. While some analysts see him as a potential first-round pick, others are less convinced, citing concerns about his on-field performance and off-field demeanor [[1](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/shedeur-sanders-scouting-report-falling-nfl-draft-boards/4d1aca51d8cef81162614ea0)].
NFL Scouts Divided on Sanders’ Potential
Despite some considering Sanders the second-best quarterback in the upcoming draft, he faces scrutiny. An anonymous NFL assistant coach described an interview with Sanders as “the worst formal interview I’ve ever been in,” citing issues like entitlement, unneeded sacks, poor body language, and blaming teammates. An AFC executive echoed this sentiment, stating the interview “didn’t go great” and that Sanders seemed to want to dictate terms. Several scouts noted a decline in his performance during his senior year, observing that his athleticism and arm talent appeared diminished.
Early Success and High Expectations
Sanders initially sparked excitement. Though, some observers believed he did not progress as was to be expected. One NFC general manager noted a decline compared to the previous year, suggesting a reduction in athleticism and arm talent. This sentiment raises concerns about his trajectory and weather he can meet the demanding expectations of the NFL.
The Shadow of a Famous Father
The unique circumstances surrounding Sanders, particularly his father’s prominent role, add another layer of complexity to his evaluation. As one AFC GM noted, though they believe things will be different once he gets outside of that bubble: ”It’s elaborate just as of the circumstance.” The challenge for sanders will be to prove himself independently and demonstrate that he can thrive outside his father’s direct influence.
Number Retirement Controversy
Colorado’s decision to retire Sanders’ number shortly after his final college game, along with that of Travis Hunter, drew criticism, including from former buffalo players. The swiftness of the move and Sanders’ inclusion sparked debate, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the young quarterback.
The Brian Brohm Comparison
Some draw parallels between Sanders and former NFL quarterback Brian Brohm, who also experienced a family-centric coaching environment. Brohm, once considered a potential high first-round pick, ultimately struggled in the NFL after being drafted in the second round. While this comparison doesn’t guarantee a similar outcome for Sanders, it highlights the potential challenges of transitioning from a closely managed environment to the professional level.
Conflicting Opinions Among Analysts
Despite the criticisms, some analysts remain high on Sanders’ potential. Bucky Brooks views Sanders as the QB1 in the upcoming draft class. These conflicting opinions underscore the polarizing nature of Sanders as a prospect and the difficulty NFL teams face in evaluating his true potential.
Shedeur Sanders a Potential Top Pick in 2025 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has emerged as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/shedeur-sanders-nfl-draft-2025-how-the-son-of-hall-of-famer-deion-sanders-became-a-potential-top-10-pick/)]. Several teams with early draft picks or long-term quarterback needs have shown significant interest in the young quarterback.
Sanders Draws Interest from QB-Needy Teams
The Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 1 overall pick,included Sanders among the four players they brought in for visits. Head Coach Brian Callahan has referred to Sanders as one of the “elite players” in the draft.The Cleveland Browns, selecting second also hosted Sanders for a visit.
Giants Show strong Interest in Sanders
The New York Giants, with the third overall pick, conducted a private workout with Sanders last Thursday as part of their final quarterback scouting assessments.
Raiders and Steelers also in the Mix
The Las Vegas Raiders (sixth overall) and Pittsburgh Steelers (21st), both seeking long-term quarterback solutions, have also brought in sanders for visits.
General Manager’s perspective
“Shedeur, man, you’ve just got to like him,” said one general manager who has spoken with Sanders. “It’s the same thing in every building — I don’t think you can get a consensus of 100 percent on him.I still think the Giants can take him.”
Given the provided text, here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions:
Shedeur Sanders: A Polarizing Prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft – Q&A
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, is a hot topic as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.Let’s dive into some key questions surrounding his potential.
Frequently Asked questions
What are Shedeur Sanders’ strengths?
Sanders is praised for his passing ability, accuracy, rapid release, mobility, and toughness. He led the FBS with a 74% completion rate in his final season at Colorado and threw for a school-record 37 touchdowns and 4,134 yards.
What are the main concerns about Sanders?
NFL scouts have expressed concerns about Sanders’ arm strength, athleticism, and decision-making, especially in structured situations like pocket presence and check-downs. some scouts also question his maturity and ability to adapt to an NFL locker room environment, especially considering his upbringing.
What is his draft projection?
Sanders is projected as a potential first or second-round pick, but some analysts believe he coudl fall out of the first round [[1](https://www.si.com/nfl/takeaways-shedeur-sanders-could-fall-2025-nfl-draft)].
How did his time at Colorado affect his draft stock?
While Sanders substantially improved Colorado’s performance after his arrival, the team struggled against ranked opponents. Some scouts noted a decline in his performance during his senior year, observing that his athleticism and arm talent appeared diminished.
How does his famous father,Deion Sanders,impact his evaluation?
His father’s prominent role adds complexity to the evaluation process. Some scouts are concerned about his ability to adapt outside of his father’s direct influence. He has been coached almost exclusively by his father, which could make adapting to a typical NFL locker room challenging.
What teams are showing interest in him?
Teams with early draft picks or those needing a quarterback, such as the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, have shown interest in Sanders.
Captivating Trivia
- Shedeur Sanders won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award.
- One NFC coordinator compared Sanders’ college tape to Caleb Williams,but without Williams’ elite arm talent.
- Colorado’s decision to retire Sanders’ number, along with Travis Hunter’s, drew criticism.
As the draft nears, Shedeur Sanders’ future remains uncertain. Keep an eye on how his skills translate to the NFL.
