The upcoming 2025Â NFL Draft is loaded with talent, and the debate over where Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders should be selected is heating up.
Sanders is a consensus top-two quarterback prospect, but NFL Draft expert Matt Miller doesn’t think he is elite enough to be worthy of a top pick.
‘Not an Elite Runner’ – Matt Miller on Shedeur Sanders
Sanders is an accurate and tough quarterback with a well-built frame and the ability to make all the throws, hitting his targets in stride from each deep third of the field. He has a strong enough arm to make throws to tight windows, but according to Miller, it’s not quite good enough to warrant being a top pick.
“I think the question is, what’s the elite trait?,” he asked during a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland. “Maybe you could say elite accuracy. But in my evaluation of him, at least, there are a lot of times where he is drifting around in the pocket, and he is waiting for someone to come open, and then he throws to his spot. There’s not a lot of all-in-time play from him consistently, and that would give me pause as far as projecting him to the NFL.”
While Miller acknowledged that Sanders possessed great capabilities, he argued the QB’s arm strength and running ability wasn’t elite enough to be worthy of going at least No.2 overall.
“He’s got some capabilities. Not an elite runner, he doesn’t have elite arm strength. Do I think he could be a good NFL starter? Yes, if he has some help around him. Absolutely. But I think the No.2 overall, it’s just too rich for me.”
.@nfldraftscout explains why he doesn't think the Browns will take Shedeur Sanders at No. 2
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/VuogXZlV6S
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) April 2, 2025
Here’s what PFSN’s Jacob Infante wrote about Sanders’ similar issues, “His arm, though acceptable, isn’t particularly special. He’s not a statue in the pocket, but his athleticism is average. These issues can see him try too hard to extend plays that he simply can’t make, resulting in sacks or poor throws.
“Compared to the quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, I would argue Sanders would come in seventh as a prospect, ranking behind each of the six quarterbacks selected in the first round. This might make him more of a Day 2 talent, but the 2025 NFL Draft has a severe lack of high-end quarterback value.”
Miller and Infante aren’t the only ones expressing doubts about Sanders; this has become a common trend in recent months. Many believe that in a stronger QB class, he wouldn’t be considered anywhere near a first-round pick, let alone a contender for the first or second overall selection.
If his draft stock continues to drop, it will be interesting to see whether a team at the top of the draft takes a risk on a different quarterback, or if this draft ends up seeing very few quarterbacks taken early.
PFSN’s Draft Projection for Shedeur Sanders
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Cameron Sheath, Sanders is projected to be picked at No. 5 overall by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are trading down from No. 2 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, receiving Nos. 5, 36, 70, and 107 to Cleveland for No. 2.
Sheath writes, “The Giants’ signing of both Winston and Wilson allows the Browns to pick up some extra draft picks and still get their man. Cleveland managed to convince star pass rusher Myles Garrett to remain after he made his frustrations known. Whatever plan the organization laid out for Garrett, it almost certainly involved fixing the quarterback situation.
“Sanders’ toughness when getting hit and ability to remain calm when under pressure should serve him well in the NFL. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, and Sanders has a range of traits and tools to work with.
“Sticking at two and pairing Carter with Garrett would be incredibly tempting, but the Browns have bigger needs. Cleveland has a horrible record of quarterback play in recent years, and while less of a guarantee, Sanders is a necessary risk this high in the draft.”