ESPN NFL analyst Tim Hasselbeck does not view Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders as a high first-round pick.
While discussing the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, Hasselbeck made clear his belief that Sanders’ physical traits (arm talent, strength, mobility, etc.) is not at the level of an upper half, first round draft slot. However, he also outlined how he still expected Sanders to go near the top of the first round, due to various teams desperately needing a QB.
What Did Tim Hasselbeck Say About Shedeur Sanders?
Hasselbeck was confident in Sanders’ mental and physical toughness, however, questioned whether he had the overall “physical ability” to succeed at the next level.
“My concern with Shedeur would always be this. At the top of round one, it’s usually reserved for the elite of the elite, in terms of athleticism, and I just don’t think he’s there yet either in terms of arm ability as well as just the type of athlete that he is,” he stated.
Hasselbeck was then asked where he thought Sanders should be taken in the upcoming draft this April.
“I just think when you look at him physically, in terms of arm strength, mobility, those types of things, he’s not a top half of the first round kind of guy. Same thing I said about Mac Jones when he was coming out… For me, it wouldn’t be in the first half of the first round unless need forced your hand and I think in a situation like Cleveland or the Jets or some of these other spots, it may just do that,” he added.
"I just don't think he's there yet."@tthasselbeck thinks Shedeur Sanders will perform "above his physical ability in Cleveland," but isn't an NFL top QB in the first round. pic.twitter.com/MAf7UzZQjc
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 4, 2025
Will Shedeur Sanders Be a High 1st Round Pick?
At this time, it is widely expected that Sanders will be a top five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are many teams in desperate need of a quarterback sitting near the top of the draft board, such as the Tennessee Titans, the Cleveland Browns, the New York Giants, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets amongst others.
As a result, there is a belief that both Sanders and Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward will be taken well before the middle of the first round.
In PFSN’s recent 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft completed by Ben Rolfe, Sanders was selected No. 2 overall by the Browns.
“Sanders is a promising NFL prospect. He is a pocket passer with enough mobility to make him effective. There are concerns about his arm strength, but he mitigates those with his compact release and impressive accuracy. Those mechanics can hide concerns when pressured, which is a concern with the Browns’ offensive line ranking 20th last season.”