There’s always debate about the value of each pick in the NFL Draft. Teams must balance a player’s talent against their draft position to make the best possible selection. That discussion has only intensified around this year’s quarterback class, potentially pushing some prospects up or down draft boards.
One of the most polarizing prospects in this draft is Shedeur Sanders. A former NFL quarterback recently made a bold comparison between the Colorado QB and a veteran signal-caller currently in the league.
Matt Hasselbeck Compares Shedeur Sanders to Andy Dalton
Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Fame defensive back Deion Sanders, is in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans—though Miami quarterback Cam Ward remains the favorite for that top spot.
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck—who played for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts—believes teams could end up regretting taking Sanders so high due to his physical limitations.
“In terms of the strengths of Sanders, he is smart. He knows how to play the position. I think where it gets really tricky is, like, you’re talking about rarefied air when you’re talking about drafting a guy at the top of the draft. And, look, he just is not as physically talented as you would like to see. I mean, it sounds crazy considering he’s Deion Sanders’ son, but, like, that’s just the case.”
Over four years in college, Shedeur totaled 14,347 passing yards, 134 passing touchdowns, 17 rushing touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. His strengths lie in his accuracy on short and intermediate throws—he completed 74% of his passes and led all conferences in that category in 2024. Still, Hasselbeck believes he lacks the elite athletic traits needed to justify a top draft pick at quarterback.
“My comp on Shedeur Sanders has kind of been in that Andy Dalton range. People have compared him to Kirk Cousins… Those are compliments. Both of those guys have thrown for over 250 touchdowns through their NFL careers. Both of those guys have led teams to the playoffs. But, you know, when you’re talking about the top half of round one, you’re looking for elite traits, and he just doesn’t have those.”
In recent years, teams have hit and missed on different quarterback prototypes. In 2021, San Francisco went all in on Trey Lance, believing his athleticism set him apart from the rest of the class. He lasted just two years with the 49ers and was traded after starting only four regular-season games for the franchise.
In 2019, the New York Giants shocked everyone on draft night by taking Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick. While he made the playoffs and earned a contract extension, Jones never lived up to the expectations of his draft position. He was released by the team midway through last season.
The takeaway? A player’s success depends on several factors—coaching, supporting cast, and of course, their own talent all play a role.
In the latest PFSN Mock Draft by Brentley Weissman, Shedeur Sanders is projected to be selected by the New York Giants with the third overall pick. The Giants have already added Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency—two veterans who could mentor Sanders during his rookie season as he adjusts to the NFL.
Right now, Sanders is projected to go in the top three of the draft. But if he unexpectedly slides on draft night, teams like the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers could look to trade up and snag him.