NFL analyst Todd McShay discussed NFL Draft prospect Shedeur Sanders during a guest appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
McShay and Bill Simmons dismissed Sanders’ claim that he could run a faster 40-yard dash than his father, Deion, did in 1989, describing him as more of a pocket passer.
Shedeur Sanders Claims He Would Run ‘What Coach Prime Ran’ in 40-Yard Dash
In a pre-2024 NFL Draft video, Sanders boldly claimed he would match his father’s legendary 4.27-second 40-yard dash time when it came time for his turn. He was quickly shot down by others in the video, who jokingly called him “delusional.”
Almost a year after the claim, McShay and Simmons discussed Sanders’ playing style, pointing out that his athleticism doesn’t come close to his father’s. Simmons noted that people tend to assume he’s an elite athlete simply because of his last name.
“The perception is, ’cause it’s Deion’s son, you just, in your head, you’re like, ‘Oh, he’s gonna be an amazing athlete.’ And he’s actually just a way more traditional quarterback.”
McShay agreed, saying Sanders’ speed is far from what Deion Sanders showed during his NFL Combine days.
“It’s the biggest surprise you’ll see. And he was talking about, ‘I’m gonna run faster than my dad,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know, if you were to run a 40, I don’t know if you’re gonna break, like, four-eight.'”
Ultimately, Sanders chose not to participate in on-field drills, including the 40-yard dash, at the 2025 NFL Combine.
Sanders Would Be Good Fit for Cleveland Browns, New York Giants
McShay also shared his thoughts on where Sanders might land in the NFL Draft. He believes the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are the best potential fits—both in terms of interest and team need.
“I’ve heard that Cleveland’s a place that he has interest in,” McShay said. He then praised Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for his track record with quarterbacks.
“Case Keenum, he won 11 games with as a coach. Kirk Cousins, he won 10 games with. And quarterback coach, offensive coordinator — like, hands-on with those guys.”
McShay compared Sanders’ game to both Keenum and Cousins.
“The skill sets are the same. Not big, not mobile, not elite arms, but process quickly. That’s his secret sauce; that’s what makes him special.”
McShay also listed Giants head coach Brian Daboll as a strong option to develop Sanders.
“Stefanski’s an outstanding quarterback developer and can work with him. And Brian Daboll — well, he’s worked with bigger, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts at Alabama. He’s worked with guys that have different traits; Brian Daboll can coach quarterbacks really well.”
Sanders’ name has started to move back into early-first-round territory after slipping out of the top 10 in some mock drafts. With months of media buzz and self-promotion behind him, expectations will be high no matter where he lands.