Shedeur Sanders’ Combine Strategy: Genius or Risky? NFL Scouts Weigh In
Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback prospect from the Colorado Buffaloes, is generating significant buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. But it’s not just his on-field performance that’s making headlines; his strategic approach to the NFL Combine is sparking debate among analysts and NFL scouts alike. With the draft just around the corner on April 24th, Sanders’ calculated decisions are being scrutinized under a microscope. Did his choice to prioritize interviews over throwing at the combine solidify his status as a top pick, or did it introduce unnecessary risk into his draft stock?
The Combine Conundrum: To Throw or Not To Throw?
In a move that deviated from the norm, Sanders opted out of the throwing drills at the NFL Combine, choosing instead to focus on meeting with teams and showcasing his personality and football IQ. This decision immediately raised eyebrows. The NFL Combine has long been a platform for quarterbacks to display their arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism in a controlled environment. By foregoing this opportunity, Sanders ceded some control over his narrative.
However, Sanders’ camp argued that his extensive game film from his time at Jackson State and Colorado already provided ample evidence of his abilities. As NFL insider Ian Rapoport pointed out, Sanders chose to “allow his four years of film to speak loudly, then throw at his Pro Day with four draftable CU (wide receivers).” This strategy isn’t unprecedented; quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, and Bryce Young all chose to showcase their skills at their pro days rather than at the combine. The advantage of a pro day is the controlled environment, allowing quarterbacks to throw to familiar receivers with a script tailored to highlight their strengths.
NFL Scouts React: A Mixed Bag
The reaction from NFL scouts has been mixed, to say the least. Some applaud Sanders’ confidence and strategic thinking, while others express concern over his decision to avoid the combine’s on-field drills.
Tennessee Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi praised Sanders, calling him “smart, engaging, and confident.” Another NFL scout told SI that “Shedeur carries himself with a next-level approach. He left a lasting impression on many this week.” These positive impressions suggest that Sanders’ focus on interviews may have paid off, allowing him to connect with teams on a personal level and demonstrate his leadership qualities.
However, not all scouts are convinced. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed that he’s spoken to people within the league who “don’t have anything close to a first-round grade on the guy.” This sentiment highlights the risk inherent in Sanders’ strategy. By not throwing at the combine, he missed an opportunity to address concerns about his arm strength, accuracy, or ability to perform under pressure.
The “Deion 2.0” Factor: Is Fear Influencing Draft Stock?
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the perception of Sanders as “Deion 2.0,” a reference to his father, NFL legend Deion Sanders. Some analysts believe that NFL executives and coaches are wary of drafting a young, empowered quarterback who understands his value, controls his narrative, and brings a massive spotlight with him.
Damon Amendolara of CBS Sports argues that scouts at the NFL Combine are quietly shaping the media narrative, planting concerns about Shedeur’s personality, his branding power, and the influence of his father. The fear, according to Amendolara, is that Shedeur could follow in his father’s footsteps and challenge traditional power structures within the league.
The Impact on Draft Stock: Trending Downward?
While it’s impossible to definitively say how Sanders’ combine strategy has affected his draft stock, there are indications that it may be trending downward.
Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reported that NFL teams “are cooling” on Sanders during the pre-draft process, citing concerns about his lack of improvement last season and his “antics since January.” ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has also lowered Sanders’ projection, placing him at No. 7 overall in his updated mock draft.
However, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel has a more positive outlook. After reviewing Sanders’ film, Daniel stated, “Starting to really dig into Shedeur Sanders film & I’ve been more impressed than I thought. Timing, accuracy & rhythm really stand out from one of the few pure drop back passers in college.” Daniel even ranked Sanders as the No. 2 quarterback in the draft class, behind Miami’s Cam Ward.
The Pro Day Pivot: A Chance to Reclaim Control
With his draft stock potentially in flux, Sanders’ Pro Day at Colorado takes on added significance. This will be his opportunity to showcase his skills in a controlled environment, throwing to familiar receivers and executing a script designed to highlight his strengths.
However, even a stellar Pro Day performance may not be enough to completely erase the doubts that have emerged during the pre-draft process. Ultimately, Sanders’ success in the NFL will depend on his ability to translate his talent and leadership qualities to the professional level.
The Verdict: Genius or Risky?
So, was Shedeur Sanders’ combine strategy genius or risky? The answer, like most things in the NFL Draft, is nuanced.
On one hand, his decision to prioritize interviews allowed him to connect with teams on a personal level and showcase his leadership qualities. His confidence and willingness to deviate from the norm could be seen as a sign of his maturity and self-awareness.
On the other hand, his decision to skip the throwing drills opened the door for doubt and speculation. Some scouts may view it as a lack of confidence or a reluctance to compete.
Ultimately, the success of Sanders’ strategy will depend on whether a team falls in love with his potential and is willing to overlook the concerns that have been raised. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders to see if his calculated gamble pays off.