Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. As the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, one of the top quarterback prospects, Sanders has drawn more attention than almost anyone in this year’s class.
NFL draft analyst Todd McShay feels that some of that attention may be a bit manufactured. On the Ross Tucker Podcast, McShay shared why he thinks Sanders isn’t quite at the level some are claiming — and why that may be the case.
Todd McShay Doesn’t Buy Shedeur Sanders Draft Hype
While talking about Sanders, McShay laid out his slightly complicated take on the Colorado alum. While he did call Sanders “a really good football player,” he made it clear there’s more to the story.
“If his name was different, I don't think we'd have this much attention on him…”
“… he’s a really good football player who does not have an elite physical trait.”@McShay13 breaks down what he’s seen from Shedeur Sanders: pic.twitter.com/ASoerMxFIE
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 12, 2025
McShay followed that up with a critique: Sanders “does not have an elite physical trait.”
The draft expert even referenced a joke from a scout who said Sanders inherited his mother’s speed — not his father’s. That father, of course, is Deion Sanders, one of the fastest players in NFL history. With comments like that, it’s clear McShay isn’t entirely sold on the son of Prime.
Deion Sanders’ Fame Fuels Hype — and Doubts — Around His Son Ahead of NFL Draft
McShay pointed to Shedeur’s media presence — and his famous dad — as a big reason for all the buzz.
“He’s Coach Prime’s son, they’re on every commercial every Saturday, they’re everywhere in the media, so everyone’s intrigued…”
That’s hard to argue, even for Sanders’ biggest supporters. No matter how talented the 23-year-old truly is, being the son of a legendary and often polarizing player-turned-coach will always shape the narrative.
The media has long been drawn to father-son stories in sports, most recently with LeBron James and his son, Bronny James Jr. Like Sanders, Bronny drew headlines leading up to the NBA Draft, with many believing his spotlight came more from his last name than his skill set.
Still, McShay made it clear that Sanders is no slouch. The analyst called him the “best natural passer” in the draft. While he’s widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects, Sanders also has one of the widest ranges of any player in the 2025 class.
With less than two weeks to go before the three-day event, we’ll find out soon enough how many teams feel the same way McShay does.