With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel and linebacker Emmanuel Acho joined FS1’s The Facility to break down the game of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders.
As one of the most debated quarterback prospects in the draft, Sanders’ evaluation sparked a spirited conversation, highlighting both his upside and limitations.
NFL Veterans Chase Daniel and Emmanuel Acho Analyze QB Shedeur Sanders Before 2025 Draft
Daniel ranked Sanders as the No. 2 quarterback on his draft board. While acknowledging Sanders’ consistency and skill, he pointed out a few concerns. “Not the strongest arm, but it’s good enough,” Daniel noted. “Very accurate, sneaky athletic.”
However, he emphasized Sanders’ tendency to hold onto the football too long, saying, “You take 94 sacks… you have to be able to move in the pocket, throw the ball away. I haven’t seen that from him.”
Acho echoed that sentiment, especially criticizing Sanders’ deep ball timing. “Shedeur Sanders, his arm, I got questions. I got questions about the strength,” Acho stated. “Travis Hunter would have people beat, and he’s waiting for it. [Jimmy] Horn would have people beat, and he’s waiting for it.” According to Acho, these delays prevent Sanders from maximizing the speed and separation of his receivers.
Don’t be surprised if Tyler Shough ends up as QB2.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Top 5 QB’s in this draft.@TheFacilityFS1 | @EmmanuelAcho pic.twitter.com/V5oA5zR8py
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel)
Despite these reservations, the analysts acknowledged Sanders’ impressive college resume. He finished his 2024 season at Colorado with 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and four rushing scores, guiding the Buffaloes to a 9 – 4 record. Sanders earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Chase Daniel also praised the intangibles that Sanders brings to the table: “He makes some wild throws. He’s a tall sucker. He’s athletic enough.” Meanwhile, Acho was especially impressed by Sanders’ leadership traits and mental makeup, noting, “He has it. Everything that you can’t quantify, he has it all.”
The conversation ended with broader reflections on draft value and coaching. Daniel stated, “They all need time to develop,” referring to Sanders and the other quarterback prospects outside Cam Ward.
Acho added that the right environment will be crucial for Sanders’ success: “You better have a very confident head coach with job security, because if they don’t win, Deion Sanders is breathing down your throat next year.”
As draft night approaches, Shedeur Sanders remains a high-risk, high-reward prospect. With top-level production, proven leadership, and questions about arm strength and sack avoidance, his NFL future will likely hinge on the coaching situation and offensive scheme he lands in.
