Shedeur Sanders ended the 2024 season being regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft pool. Then came the combine, which left the QB being criticised by some for not taking part in the official drills, which caused his draft stock to fall.
To add, a report said that an anonymous NFL quarterback coach had called Sanders “arrogant” for his demeanor during a team interview. While disclosures like this often come and go and could possibly be misinterpreted, many are still confident in Sanders’ ability on the field and what he’s shown.
Former player and analyst Tim Hasselbeck referred to Colorado’s offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur, to praise the QB. Shurmur, who has experience as a head coach with the Cleveland Browns (who hold the No. 2 overall pick), could make Sanders a good fit in Cleveland.
“He is a polished passer,” Hasselbeck said on “NFL on ESPN” on Mar. 4. “He’s coming from Pat Shurmur coaching him at Colorado and so, the similarities in terms of what he did at Colorado and some of the things that they would do in Cleveland, match.”
Further lauding Sanders, Hasselbeck added, “I also think he’s kind of ready from a mental perspective. He’s a good decision maker, he’s accurate.”
"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
According to Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft by Brentley Weissman, Sanders is projected to be selected as the No. 3 overall recruit by the New York Giants. Shurmur, who also worked with the Giants from 2018 to 2019 as a head coach, could help Sanders thrive in New York as well with the skills he has imparted on the QB.
Weissman’s analysis of Sanders’ reads: “Sanders is a poised pocket passer who can throw with accuracy and touch to all levels of the field.”
New York needs a franchise quarterback, and the role is clearly its biggest need. The Giants are likely to take one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft, either Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward, who’s projected to go to the Browns.
Sanders accumulated 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with a 74.0% completion rate – the highest among quarterbacks in 2024. His QBR rating is 75.5, ranking 20th overall. He also saw his team to a 9-4 record, after the Buffaloes had been hovering over a one win season.