Shedeur Sanders NFL draft news are starting to pop. Though the 2024 NFL Draft was not long ago, it is never too early to look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Teams are hopeful for the season ahead but not everyone has what it takes to win. For that reason, the NFL Draft is the future that teams envision for themselves.
One of the most divisive figures among NFL circles is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders could be the top quarterback taken next year and the first pick in the draft. Then again, he could wind up in the middle of the first round. Does he have the skills to become a top 5 pick?
College Career
Shedeur Sanders has had an interesting journey in college so far. He was part of the vaunted class his dad had put together at Jackson State. “Coach Prime” was changing the landscape, pulling in major prospects to a school that traditionally couldn’t compete in recruiting.
Journey to Colorado
When Sanders went to Colorado, Shedeur followed suit to be his starting quarterback. As SWAC offensive player of the year in 2022, it was clear by his play that he would be the passer to fit the scheme at Colorado. His decision making, accuracy, arm talent, and athleticism were the kind that earn scholarships to major programs.
Season Performance
Despite a 4-7 record during his lone season as starting quarterback at Colorado, Shedeur Sanders quickly became one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Despite an offensive line that struggled to keep him upright and a defense that couldn’t get a stop, Shedeur Sanders carried the team.
His ability became apparent immediately despite constant pressure. He had the ability to create plays, whether in the pocket or on the move. Keeping his eyes downfield, Sanders found guys with throws that only a handful of quarterbacks have the arm talent to make. He wound up throwing for more than 3,200 yards and 27 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
Notable Games
Shedeur Sanders wasted no time kicking off his tenure at Colorado off on the right foot. The quarterback showed off his tools as a passer immediately, throwing for 510 yards and 4 touchdowns in a shocking win over TCU. He put the team on his back again the next week, throwing for nearly 400 yards and two touchdowns in another big win over Nebraska.
Shedeur Sanders Strengths and Attributes
Long before the NFL Draft, it helps to know what the Texas native can bring to the table. Let’s take a look at his physical attributes and skillset to get an idea of what Shedeur Sanders can offer to a team looking for a quarterback at the NFL level.
Physical Attributes
Shedeur Sanders isn’t the biggest at just under 6’2” and 200 pounds. Look at any scouting report and you will find that he does have the arm to let it rip, making tough throws all over the field. He impacts each game with his quick game as a passer, making plays in and out of the pocket.
He’ll work to make a play no matter what is happening and is a good bet to make plays at any point in the game. Though it isn’t a stretch to see him utilize his athleticism running the ball, his true ability to impact games will come from within the pocket. Still, he needs to work on getting the ball out faster to mitigate pressure.
Skill Set
What kind of skillset does Shedeur Sanders have? What can he do with the ball in his hands? As it turns out, a ton and he will help get his team on the board consistently. Though his ceiling is a bit murky, he has the respect of his peers no matter what happens this season.
Accuracy. Of all the factors that make Shedeur Sanders a top prospect this season, it is his accuracy. He will let it rip on any given play and find his receiver even with pressure in his face. He tends to hold the ball a bit too long in the pocket, so bet on his future team working on a quicker trigger for him.
Mobility. One of the more underrated aspects of his game is his mobility. He can create room and escape pressure both inside the pocket and outside. He can break loose from structure and develop plays with his legs but always looks to look down the field. He rarely gets stuck with nowhere to go.
Leadership. This point is up for some debate. His drive to win is apparent, but the outward confidence (bordering on cockiness) displayed by players like him, and Travis Hunter has rubbed some the wrong way. It is a safe bet to say that Sanders thinks it is just a matter of time before he ultimately prevails. That is the kind of attitude you can bet on to emerge as a leader in the NFL.
Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Projections
Right now, Shedeur Sanders projects virtually anywhere in the first round. Most have him safely in the top 10 while others have him at the bottom of the first round. Colorado provides more access to its players than just about any program in the country, so we will have a clear idea of where Shedeur Sanders winds up because we will see more of him than any other prospect.
Current Draft Stock
Currently, he is a fringe top 5 pick. Some have him as the top pick in the draft while others see him going around sixth overall to the New York Giants. It is possible that a team makes a deal to move up and get him, but one win can change the draft order exponentially.
Expert opinions. Opinions vary quite a bit on what Shedeur Sanders can do in the pocket. Some love him for his accuracy, others see him as a dual threat at the next level. He will need to drag Colorado to a big win or two in order to change some opinions on him.
QB comparisons. A lot of people are comparing Shedeur Sanders to Geno Smith. The longtime NFL quarterback and current starter for the Seattle Seahawks, Smith was somewhat polarizing when he came out of West Virginia. He wound up going in the second round and bounced a bit before ultimately having his best season with Seattle two years ago.
Top 5 Potential
Landing in the top 5 of the NFL Draft is no easy thing. Though Shedeur Sanders is generally right on the border of that status, a few situations could help him heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. How can he land in the top 5?
Scenarios for a Top 5 pick. Sanders needs to focus on his play above all else. If he has a good season and brings Colorado to new heights, his draft stock will soar. Just as important, the draft needs to line up to favor quarterbacks. That doesn’t always happen.
Challenges. The hype at Colorado is out of this world but the talent may not be quite there yet. Colorado faces a relatively easy schedule, but Shedeur Sanders has to lead this team from start to finish. Like it or not, he will be the reason that they win and the reason that they lose. This has to be a major step forward for both the program and Sanders personally.
What NFL Teams are Looking for Sanders
Teams in need of a QB. Perhaps the biggest impact will be teams looking for a quarterback. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and even the Carolina Panthers could be looking for a new signal caller come this time next April. The more teams at the top of the draft that need a quarterback, the better it will be for Sanders.
Fit and scheme considerations. Even the most talented players have to be the right fit. Some question whether Shedeur Sanders can be that fit for anyone at the top of the draft. A team like Las Vegas may wind up being the best place for him, for example.
Shedeur Sanders Potential Impact in the NFL
Shedeur Sanders seems like a virtual lock to land in the first round of the NFL Draft. But what about his career after draft day?
Following in Deion Sanders’ footsteps. Though they play different positions, Shedeur will have to live up to his dad’s legacy. Deion, known affectionately as Prime Time, is arguably the greatest defensive back ever. His swagger is unmatched, and he’s enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That’s a tough path to follow.
Long-term potential. Depending on who you ask, Shedeur has the potential to be anything from a solid starter to a full-blown star. It depends on how well he develops in his second season at Colorado, what kind of scheme he falls into in the NFL, and the talent around him. Still, Sanders should be a name we see on Sundays for a long time to come.
Conclusion
Determining where Shedeur Sanders projects in the NFL Draft is as tough as it gets for the Texas native. He has decent size, a long stride that helps him get out of the pocket and away from pressure, and the ability to find receivers anywhere.
Some question his drive to win versus his willingness to look good. Injury is a concern if the Colorado offensive line can’t keep pressure away from him and allow him to stand in the pocket. He is one of the most promising prospects in the class for sure. Depending on the season he has, he has a shot to be the first pick, though it will be far from a lock.
