Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Highly touted quarterback Shedeur Sanders, an NFL hopeful, aimed to be selected in this year’s NFL Draft; however, initial projections proved unfavorable. What factors contributed to him not being drafted immediately? As the NFL Draft nears its conclusion, let’s examine Sanders’ prospects of being chosen and the reasons behind the delay.
Who Is Shedeur Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders, aged 23, is a football player who previously competed for the Jackson State Tigers and subsequently for the Colorado Buffaloes. The Texas native garnered the 2021 Jerry Rice Award, acknowledging the most exceptional freshman football player in the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision. He also secured the 2022 Deacon Jones Trophy, recognizing the foremost all-around collegiate American football player of the year from HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities).
Sanders is also the son of Colorado’s head coach,Deion Sanders, who formerly held the position of head coach for the Jackson State Tigers.
Following a notable season with the Buffaloes, the team declared in 2025 the retirement of Sanders’ jersey number.
Will Shedeur Sanders Be Drafted in 2025?
Despite heightened anticipations for Sanders, the first four rounds passed without his name being called. Reports from NBC Sports suggested he might be the first pick in the second round, but this did not happen. Regardless, Sanders conveyed his continued optimism by tweeting, “Another day another opportunity to get a chance to play the game I love. Thank you GOD #LEGENDARY.”
Ultimately, Sanders was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round on April 26.
Why Wasn’t Shedeur Sanders Drafted Sooner?
Many fans of Sanders have inquired about the reasons for his delayed drafting. According to a statement obtained by Fox News, Sanders communicated that he and his family “didn’t expect this, of course, but I feel like with God, anything possible, everything possible.”
Sanders further commented, “I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All of this is, of course, fuel to the fire. Under no circumstances did we all know this was going to happen, but we understand we on to bigger and better things.”
However, several news sources suggest that some football coaches and sports analysts attribute Sanders’ misfortune to his conduct and demeanor away from the field.