Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft Stock: Colorado QB and Son of Deion Sanders Evaluated as ‘Fringe Starter’ Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
The evaluation of Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of coach Deion Sanders, continues to fluctuate as NFL Draft analysts assess his potential for the 2025 NFL Draft. A recent assessment from an NFL personnel source to ESPN labeled Sanders as a “fringe starter,” adding another dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding his professional prospects.
Mixed Projections from NFL Evaluators
According to the ESPN report, only two out of six “high-level personnel evaluators” considered Sanders to possess first-round talent. One evaluator from the NFC drew a comparison to Teddy Bridgewater, a former first-round selection who has seen limited starting action since 2021.
“A fringe starter who makes sound decisions and demonstrates positive attributes, but lacks the capacity to elevate a team to championship contention,” the NFC personnel executive reportedly stated.
Contrasting Opinions on Sanders’ Draft Potential
Despite this assessment, there have been instances where Sanders has been projected as high as the second overall pick, potentially behind Cam Ward, with some speculating the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 as a possible landing spot.
Sanders showcased his abilities at Colorado for two seasons after transferring from Jackson State, where his father coached. In the 2024 season, he achieved a 74 percent completion rate, amassing 37 touchdowns through the air and an additional four rushing touchdowns.
Giants Show Interest in Sanders
The New York Giants, holding the third and 34th overall selections in the upcoming draft, signaled a potential interest in Sanders or teammate Travis Hunter by sending a significant contingent of 14 representatives to Colorado’s pro day. This group included head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, indicating serious consideration of the Buffaloes’ prospects.
However, the Browns, with the pick immediately preceding the Giants, could potentially impede their opportunity to select Sanders as the third player drafted. An AFC executive expressed caution to ESPN, stating that selecting Sanders within the top 10 picks would represent a considerable risk they would be hesitant to undertake.
Concerns Over Sanders’ Physical Attributes and Play Style
“Personally, I couldn’t justify that selection,” the executive told ESPN. “He lacks elite athleticism, imposing size, and strength. His game exhibits undisciplined aspects, and his profile attracts intense media focus. Is his talent truly exceptional enough to warrant such a high pick?”
Pro Day Performance and Scrutiny
Sanders reportedly completed 62 of 67 passes during his pro day, with three incompletions attributed to dropped passes, as reported by The Athletic. However, analysis of his pro day performance revealed a tendency to pat the ball before releasing a throw, drawing some criticism.
Need for a Timing-Based Offense
Another AFC executive suggested to ESPN that Sanders “needs to operate within a timing-based offensive scheme,” while acknowledging no concerns regarding his personality or demeanor.
Draft Outcome Anticipation
The extensive conjecture, encompassing both praise and critique, surrounding Sanders will culminate on April 24th, the commencement of the NFL Draft’s first round in Green Bay. That night will determine whether Sanders is chosen early in the draft or experiences a drop in his draft position.
Team Needs and Quarterback Situations
The Giants, despite recent acquisitions of veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, still harbor a need to identify their long-term quarterback solution.
Similarly, the Browns, who acquired Kenny Pickett via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, also remain in search of a definitive starting quarterback.
Bridgewater Comparison and Draft Outlook
The comparison to Teddy Bridgewater, along with another executive’s suggestion that Sanders might project as a Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield-esque player with less arm strength, according to ESPN, paints a somewhat tempered picture of his immediate NFL trajectory.