Shedeur Sanders stepped into the spotlight for Colorado’s pro day last week, hoping to boost his stock ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. As scouts and executives evaluated his performance, opinions started pouring in, and they weren’t exactly glowing. Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been a compelling prospect leading up to the draft. Still, feedback from NFL executives in attendance revealed a more grounded assessment of his abilities.
Shedeur Sanders Pro Day Produces Mixed Results
Sanders’ workout wasn’t a disaster, but it didn’t leave anyone rushing to change their draft boards either. Several AFC executives weighed in, with one saying, “He threw it well, but the ball didn’t have the tight spiral with velocity you want to see.” Sanders’ accuracy was solid, particularly on deep balls, but the lack of spirals thrown left room for criticism from the executives.
Another executive described Sanders’ performance as “efficient,” adding that while he stayed within his comfort zone and showcased what he does well, nothing was particularly flashy or jaw-dropping.
Sanders started slow, struggling to find rhythm in the early part of the session. He found his groove by the middle of the workout, delivering great throws and demonstrating solid ball placement on short and intermediate routes. Sanders ended up completing 58 of 63 passes, showing velocity and tighter spirals on his deep balls compared to throws closer to the line of scrimmage.
Strengths That Keep Sanders in the Conversation
Sanders stood out in his ability to handle pressure and stay poised. His instincts and intelligence on the field are evident, and that’s what executives think makes him a strong prospect. “He knows how to play,” one scout remarked, emphasizing Sanders’ strong football IQ and decision-making. Throughout the workout, he showed he could make quick adjustments and deliver accurate passes, even when asked to throw on the move.
Sanders also proved he could thrive in a system tailored to his strengths. Teams looking for a quarterback who can execute an offense based on timing and precision might see Sanders as a solid option, like the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, who have been the favorites to draft the quarterback. He may not have elite traits like a big arm or blazing speed, but his toughness and reliability could make him a valuable piece in the right setup.
Where Does Sanders Stack Up?
For NFL teams searching for a franchise quarterback, Sanders’ pro day performance may not have checked all the boxes. One executive compared the expectations for a top-five pick to former elite prospects like Troy Aikman and Justin Herbert, noting that Sanders doesn’t quite fit that mold. Another shared these thoughts: “There’s no elite trait there. He does a lot of things well, but you want that wow factor at the top of the draft.”
Sanders will likely need to go to a team willing to build around his strengths instead of expecting him to take over games single-handedly. As one exec said, “He’s tough, smart, accurate, but he’s not going to wear a cape.”
With the NFL Draft just weeks away, Sanders remains one of the most intriguing quarterbacks. He may not be a top-five lock, but his instincts and football IQ could make him an intriguing option for the right team. The question is: Which team is willing to bet on a quarterback with plenty of solid traits but none that stand out as elite?