The NFL spotlight has been on Shedeur Sanders for years, but it only intensified during his final season at Colorado. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches in just a few weeks, the buzz around his draft stock has only grown stronger.
On FS1’s “The Herd,” ex-NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck gave a candid assessment of Sanders’ game, laying out why the talented QB might not be the sure-fire top-five pick that some are projecting.
Why Shedeur Sanders’ Eye-Popping Stats Might Be Fooling You
Sanders posted impressive numbers in his final season at Colorado: 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns (10 interceptions), along with a 74% completion rate (353-of-477).
“The 74% completion rate doesn’t mean all that much to me because he’s not a guy that threw a lot of balls away,” Hasselbeck said.
He explained that when a quarterback doesn’t fully trust his offensive line, he gets the ball out fast — often through screens or quick-hitters. That can pad the stat sheet but doesn’t necessarily reflect a quarterback thriving in a full pro-style environment.
“As a play caller when you don’t trust your offensive line, you’re getting the ball out of your hands quick — also with some screen game — so that’s not what I’m looking at,” he added.
Living legend @Hasselbeck joined the show today to talk to @ColinCowherd about Aaron Rodgers free agency, where Shedeur Sanders and Ashton Jeanty might land in the NFL Draft, and what the Cowboys should do about Micah Parsons pic.twitter.com/AC0wPQkYPu
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 31, 2025
Matt Hasselbeck: Sanders’ Size, Style Make Him an ‘Outlier’
There’s no doubt that Sanders has the arm talent and confidence to lead an NFL offense. However, as Hasselbeck pointed out, when it comes to size, Sanders doesn’t quite fit the traditional mold that scouts typically favor at the top of the draft.
“I’m sure some scouts are saying, ‘Hey, he’s only 6’1 and a half, he’s like 212 pounds; that’s not the give me Justin Herbert, Tom Brady, the Manning 6-foot-5 type guy vibes.’”
That doesn’t mean Sanders can’t succeed. But when teams are looking for their next franchise guy, height and frame still matter to many front offices — especially when comparing prospects.
“So you’re a little bit of an outlier to get drafted in the top five of the draft with his measurables,” Hasselbeck said. “But he does have other intangibles that he brings to the table.”
Sanders’ Character Concerns Could Be a Red Flag for Some NFL Teams
While Sanders is known for his fire and swagger, some NFL executives hesitate because of those very traits. Hasselbeck highlighted a few incidents that could raise eyebrows in draft rooms, including some traits he may have inherited from his father, Deion Sanders.
“I do love his competitiveness. I think that there’s a DNA or a sense in some teams, though, where they don’t really love some of the other stuff we’ve seen — some of the taunting, not shaking hands, all the penalties, pushing a referee.”
The pushing comment stems from a Week 11 loss to Kansas in which Sanders shoved a referee post-play. “He’s lucky he wasn’t ejected from the game,” rules analyst Mike Pereira said.
In today’s league, image and maturity are crucial—especially for quarterbacks, who often become the face of the franchise. Even a few isolated incidents can carry significant weight when compared to other prospects who are considered “cleaner” off the field.
Hype vs. Reality: Why Sanders Might Slide, Even with NFL Tools
Despite all the caveats, Hasselbeck wasn’t trying to write off Sanders—he simply believes the hype may need a reality check.
“I think he’s gonna have a successful career,” he said. “At the same time, I think he could drop a little bit on day one.”
That may sound like a hedge, but it’s also a recognition of the unpredictability of the draft process. Teams can fall in — and out — of love with prospects quickly.