Shedeur Sanders’ Bold NFL Draft Message: Why Passing on Him Could Be a Franchise’s Biggest Mistake

The NFL Draft is a gamble, a high-stakes poker game where teams bet their future on college prospects. In 2024, Caleb Williams went #1 overall to the Bears, and the season following, all eyes are on Shedeur Sanders. After leading the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors, Sanders has declared himself ready for the NFL. But some teams might hesitate, questioning his arm strength or athleticism. Passing on Sanders, however, could be the mistake that haunts a franchise for a decade.

The “It” Factor: Poise, IQ, and Leadership

Shedeur Sanders isn’t just another quarterback prospect; he’s a leader, a field general with the poise of a seasoned veteran. As the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has been immersed in football his entire life. This deep understanding of the game translates to exceptional football IQ and instincts. Scouts rave about his ability to read defenses, work through progressions, and make smart decisions under pressure.

“He could be the most NFL ready as far as football I.Q.; he bleeds confidence and charisma,” says one scout. “He’ll own a team immediately because of his competitiveness and obvious advantage having grown up in the rare NFL bubble. Pro ball will not scare him.”

In 2024, Sanders completed 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, setting school records at Colorado. Beyond the stats, it’s his command of the offense and his ability to elevate his teammates that truly stand out. He led the nation in second-half passing yards per game, showcasing his clutch performance when the game is on the line.

Addressing the Doubts: Arm Strength and Athleticism

Critics point to Sanders’ arm strength and athleticism as potential weaknesses. While he may not possess the cannon arm of a Josh Allen or the electrifying running ability of a Lamar Jackson, Sanders has more than enough arm talent to succeed in the NFL. He consistently demonstrates pinpoint accuracy, especially in the short and intermediate ranges, and can fit passes into tight windows with remarkable precision.

“While Sanders does not have an elite arm cannon like a Josh Allen, Sanders has a quality arm that is strong enough to be a quality pro starter,” notes one scouting report.

Furthermore, Sanders is a tough and intelligent runner who knows how to extend plays and pick up crucial first downs. He keeps his eyes downfield while scrambling, allowing him to make ad-lib plays when the pocket breaks down. His mobility, combined with his exceptional accuracy, makes him a dangerous dual-threat quarterback.

The Perfect Fit: Teams That Need a Franchise QB

Several teams are in desperate need of a quarterback heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants are all potential landing spots for Sanders.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns, with the No. 2 overall pick, are eager to move on from the Deshaun Watson era. Sanders’ leadership and resilience would be a welcome addition to a team looking for a new face of the franchise. Coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed interest in Sanders, calling him an “extremely talented football player.”
New York Giants: The Giants, selecting third overall, are also in dire need of a quarterback after cutting ties with Daniel Jones. Sanders’ accuracy and poise under pressure would be a significant upgrade for a team that struggled to generate big plays in 2024.
New Orleans Saints: While they resigned Derek Carr, the Saints may not see him as a long-term solution. With the 9th overall pick, New Orleans could look to secure their future with Sanders.

The Risk of Regret: What If He Becomes a Star?

The NFL is littered with stories of teams that passed on quarterbacks who went on to become superstars. The Seattle Seahawks passed on Aaron Rodgers. The Chicago Bears passed on Patrick Mahomes. These teams are still searching for their franchise quarterback, while Rodgers and Mahomes have led their teams to Super Bowl victories.

Passing on Shedeur Sanders carries the same risk. If he lands in the right system with the right coaching, Sanders has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. His combination of intelligence, accuracy, and leadership is a rare commodity, and teams that overlook him may regret it for years to come.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk Worth Taking

Shedeur Sanders is not a flawless prospect, but his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. He’s a proven winner with exceptional football IQ, accuracy, and leadership skills. While some teams may be scared off by his lack of elite arm strength or athleticism, those who focus on his intangibles will be rewarded.

In a league where quarterback play is paramount, passing on Shedeur Sanders could be the biggest mistake a franchise makes in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team that takes a chance on him could be getting their franchise quarterback for the next decade.