Shedeur Sanders has been among the most polarizing draft prospects in recent memory. While he entered the pre-draft process projected as a potential candidate to be selected first overall, recent reports have suggested that the son of Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders could slide out of the top ten altogether.
The former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback had a strong final season of his collegiate career. He threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and ten interceptions while completing an NCAA-leading 74.0% of his pass attempts and adding four rushing touchdowns.
Despite putting up great numbers throughout his four-year college tenure, split between the Jackson State Tigers and Buffaloes, there have been questions about how his game will translate to the professional level. One NFC quarterbacks coach believes that, if not for his last name, Sanders could be a sixth-round pick.
NFC QB Coach Suggests Shedeur Sanders’ Name Has Helped His Draft Stock
Shedeur Sanders has had the spotlight on him throughout his collegiate career due to his father’s status as one of the most high-profile players in NFL history. While scouts have had differing opinions on his ability to thrive under center in the league, one NFC quarterbacks coach believes that the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year has major red flags in his game.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared the comments from the anonymous coach on Tuesday:
“This guy—if his last name was Breer and he was coming out of Minnesota, he’d be a sixth-round pick. He doesn’t play with good feet, he’s late on stuff, he has an average arm. His accuracy is O.K., but he has no timing, no anticipation. He flashes some throws, but he’s an average player, not a great athlete. Even if you watch his pro day, there’s no timing or rhythm. He takes extra hitches.”
A different NFC coordinator compared Sanders to Spencer Rattler, who the New Orleans Saints drafted in the fifth round of last year’s draft. The rookie quarterback ranked 38th in PFN’s QB+ metric in seven games played, six of which he started.
It is anyone’s guess where the former Buffaloes star will land, as he has been linked to several teams throughout the pre-draft process. Furthermore, projections have suggested that he could land anywhere from second to 32nd in the upcoming draft. While all it takes is one team to stop his slide, it remains to be seen which team will gamble on the polarizing star.