Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Dilemma: Is the Colorado QB a First-Round Gamble?

Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback who electrified college football with his arm talent and swagger, faces a crucial juncture as he eyes the 2025 NFL Draft. After a rollercoaster career marked by record-breaking performances and a high-profile move to the University of Colorado, Sanders now stands as one of the most talked-about, yet polarizing prospects in the upcoming draft. But is he a surefire first-round pick, or are NFL teams gambling on potential over proven performance?

The Prime Effect: From Jackson State to Boulder

Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the national spotlight began at Jackson State University, where his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, took over as head coach. Immediately, Shedeur showcased his talent, earning the Jerry Rice Award in 2021 as the most outstanding freshman in NCAA Division I FCS football. In his sophomore year, he completed an impressive 70.6% of his passes for 3,732 yards and 40 touchdowns, securing the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year title and the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation’s top HBCU player.

When Deion Sanders accepted the head coaching position at Colorado, Shedeur followed, instantly injecting excitement into a program desperate for a spark. In his debut with the Buffaloes against Texas Christian University (TCU), Sanders shattered the school record with 510 passing yards and four touchdowns, signaling a new era in Boulder.

2024 Season: Highs, Lows, and a Mountain of Sacks

The 2024 season was a mixed bag for Sanders and the Buffaloes. While he showcased his arm talent and football IQ, leading Colorado to a 9-4 record and an Alamo Bowl appearance, the team struggled with consistency, particularly on the offensive line. Sanders ended the season with impressive stats: 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, earning him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He completed 74% of his passes, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making.

However, a concerning statistic loomed large: Sanders was sacked a staggering 42 times in 2024. This vulnerability raises questions about his ability to withstand the relentless pressure of NFL defenses. As CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso noted, Sanders’ tendency to backtrack in the pocket exacerbates the issue.

Strengths: Poise, Accuracy, and Football IQ

Despite the concerns, Sanders possesses several traits that make him an intriguing NFL prospect.

Accuracy and Ball Placement: Sanders is known for his exceptional accuracy, particularly in the short and intermediate game. PFF (Pro Football Focus) ranked him among the best in ball placement, with the third-highest accuracy rate in the FBS in 2024. His ability to throw with touch and finesse allows his receivers to make plays in stride.
Poise Under Pressure: Despite facing constant pressure at Colorado, Sanders maintains his composure and mechanics. His ability to avoid turnovers under duress is a valuable asset. According to PFF, his turnover-worthy play percentage under pressure was among the best in the draft class.
Football IQ and Decision-Making: Sanders demonstrates a high level of football intelligence, reading defenses well and making sound decisions. His ability to work through progressions and recognize coverage schemes is advanced for a college quarterback.
Leadership and Swagger: Sanders carries himself with the confidence and swagger of a franchise quarterback. His leadership qualities and ability to command a locker room are highly valued by NFL teams.

Weaknesses: Arm Strength, Mobility, and Sack Tendency

Sanders also faces legitimate concerns that could impact his draft stock.

Arm Strength: While Sanders possesses a good arm, he lacks elite arm strength. This limitation affects his ability to make high-velocity throws, particularly on deep balls. PFF notes that his lack of velocity can cause throws to be tighter than desired, potentially leading to problems in the NFL.
Mobility: Sanders is not a dual-threat quarterback. His limited athleticism restricts his ability to extend plays outside the pocket and make defenses pay with his legs.
Sack Tendency: As mentioned earlier, Sanders’ high sack total is a major concern. His tendency to hold onto the ball too long and drift backward under pressure contributes to this issue. NFL teams will need to determine if this is a correctable flaw or a fundamental limitation.
Pocket Awareness: Some scouts question Sanders’ pocket awareness, noting that he sometimes moves away from pressure too early instead of stepping up to avoid it.

NFL Draft Outlook: First Round or Bust?

The question remains: Is Shedeur Sanders a first-round gamble? The answer is complex and depends on the specific needs and preferences of individual NFL teams.

Some analysts, like Bucky Brooks, view Sanders as the top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, praising his arm talent, touch, timing, and anticipation. Others are more skeptical, citing concerns about his arm strength and mobility.

According to Sports Illustrated, many NFL scouts do not have a first-round grade on Sanders, with some suggesting that he may be drafted in the first round only if an owner gets involved. This sentiment reflects the polarizing nature of Sanders’ evaluation.

Ultimately, Sanders’ draft position will depend on how NFL teams weigh his strengths and weaknesses. Teams seeking a poised, accurate, and intelligent pocket passer may be willing to overlook his limitations and invest a first-round pick. Others may view him as a high-risk, high-reward prospect better suited for the second round.

Potential NFL Fits

Several teams could be potential landing spots for Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders, who are projected to pick high in the draft, are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback.
Cleveland Browns: The Browns could be looking for a quarterback to develop behind Deshaun Watson.
New York Giants: The Giants are another team in desperate need of a quarterback and could be tempted to take Sanders with their top pick.

The Verdict

Shedeur Sanders is a fascinating NFL Draft prospect with a unique blend of talent and question marks. His poise, accuracy, and football IQ are undeniable assets, but his limitations in arm strength and mobility raise concerns about his ability to thrive at the next level. Whether he is a first-round gamble depends on the eye of the beholder – the NFL team willing to bet on his potential and provide him with the right supporting cast and coaching.