In a recent appearance on “The Skip Bayless Show”, Deion Sanders suggested that the falling draft stock for his son Shedeur Sanders could be a “blessing” for the prospect’s future in the NFL.
What’s Causing Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stock To Fall?
Despite his impressive college career at Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders’ draft stock has fluctuated, with some analysts questioning his readiness for the NFL. FOX Sports draft expert Rob Rang has Sanders falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall, despite having Sanders rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the class.
When asked for his rationale, Rang replied, “Just the perception that Shedeur Sanders is not the leader that a lot of teams are looking for, that he doesn’t have the elite arm strength that teams feel like is necessary. Basically … very similar argument as to why Kenny Pickett wound up falling all the way down to Pittsburgh years ago.”
Pittsburgh hasn’t recorded a losing season during head coach Mike Tomlin’s tenure and they’ve been a playoff contender for two decades. If Sanders were to end up with the Steelers, he probably wouldn’t experience the same growing pains as he would in Tennessee, Cleveland, or New York.
On “The Pat McAfee Show”, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said “Where Shedeur Sanders goes is the biggest draft question mark that I can remember in a very, very long time.” Rapoport added, “Could I see him going past the top 10, and be the biggest question mark of the draft with every single team on the clock being like, ‘Are they gonna take Shedeur?’ I can see that too.”
"I think we're gonna see three Quarterbacks drafted in the top fifteen..
Where Shedeur Sanders goes is the biggest draft question mark that I can remember in a very long time..
What he did at Colorado and Jackson State is unbelievable" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Us48MTtatu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
The slide down the draft board started for Sanders when NFL Draft expert Todd McShay revealed there were multiple NFL executives who had negative interviews with the prospect. According to McShay’s report, one high-ranking team official said Sanders “wasn’t taking it all that seriously,” while another claimed he lacked a “professional approach.”
The controversial report ignited a massive reaction from the NFL community, with Deion calling the claim “a lie” during an interview with the NFL Network.
Deion Sanders addressed reports that were critical of his son Shedeur’s interviews with an NFL team during the pre-draft process.
“Now that was a lie.”
More on what was said in an interview with NFL Network ⤵️https://t.co/II5brzcaoj pic.twitter.com/8PUgKqx10r
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic)
While early speculation had Shedeur landing the Las Vegas Raiders at sixth overall, there was momentum behind the New York Giants selecting Sanders at No. 3. It appeared the package to trade up for Cam Ward was too much for the Giants and Sanders was the obvious next choice. After all, the team had someone at every one of Sanders’ games in 2024.
But, after the Giants signed free agents Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, in addition to bringing back Tommy DeVito, the pressing need to take Sanders seems to be waning. And with the Raiders trading for Geno Smith, it’s possible Las Vegas could look elsewhere with their first-round pick.
In his 2-round mock draft, PFSN’s Marco Enriquez has Sanders going to the New Orleans Saints with the ninth overall pick. Enriquez noted, “Head coach Kellen Moore has quite the rebuild ahead. As an offensive-minded coach, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take his quarterback of the future.”
Deion Sanders Explains Why Shedeur’s Falling Draft Stock Is A Blessing
During his interview with Skip Bayless, Deion addressed the uncertainty around where his son might end up, stating, “We’re not panicking. We’re not trippin’. Because, first of all, this is a blessing for us, man…The later they go, the better the team. So, don’t think it’s a curse. It’s still gonna be a blessing.”
When Bayless asked Deion if he was orchestrating a pick like Archie Manning did with his son Eli in the 2004 NFL Draft, Deion said, “I want Shedeur to do what he’s consistently done: Excel against all odds. I like the hate, I like the naysaying, I like the ignorance because it makes us feel better about what we do. It gives him another chip on his shoulder.”
Deion suggested that being drafted by a team that truly believes in a player’s potential can be more beneficial than being selected higher by a team that doesn’t fully align with the player’s goals or playing style.
Whether Shedeur is drafted early or later, Deion’s message of resilience and faith in one’s abilities has undoubtedly resonated with Shedeur throughout his playing career so far. That message will be put to the ultimate test in the pros.
