Shedeur Sanders’ path to the NFL has been under a microscope since he stepped onto the field at Colorado. As the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and one of the most recognizable names in college football, Shedeur has drawn plenty of attention heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. But with that spotlight comes a lot of noise — and not all of it accurate.
In the weeks before the draft, insiders and scouts are working to separate fact from hype. One of the biggest talking points surrounding Sanders has centered on his athletic profile, leading to some misunderstandings about the type of quarterback he really is.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently addressed one of those misconceptions, offering a more complete picture of what teams should expect from the former Buffaloes star.
NFL Insider Sets the Record Straight on Shedeur Sanders’ Playing Style Before Draft Day
Sanders is one of the most talked-about prospects in this year’s draft. While his stats and name recognition have made him a standout, Schultz tried to clear up some of the confusion around the polarizing quarterback during an appearance on “The Herd.”
.@Schultz_Report explains to @jasonrmcintyre why Shedeur Sanders is one of the most NFL ready QB’s this year pic.twitter.com/4gngqrVkfh
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 7, 2025
“He’s a good athlete … just not a great runner. He’s fast. He’s not elite. He can maneuver the pocket enough, but he is a pocket guy,” Schultz said. With the draft just weeks away, teams are starting to weigh Sanders’ strengths and weaknesses to figure out where he’ll fit in the NFL.
What Scouts Are Really Saying About Sanders
Sanders’ ability to throw the football is what sets him apart. In his senior season, he led the nation with a 74% completion rate, showing off his accuracy and consistency. Over his college career, he has thrown for more than 11,000 yards and 107 touchdowns. Last season alone, he totaled 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, with just 10 interceptions. Those numbers reflect how consistently he delivered big performances week after week.
At his pro day, Sanders impressed scouts from all 32 NFL teams. He completed 58 of 63 passes, with three drops by receivers, and showed off his ability to hit deep balls and timing routes. His calm demeanor in the pocket and sharp decision-making stood out. While his arm strength hasn’t been considered elite, his accuracy and ball placement make him a valuable prospect.
Despite the strong numbers, Sanders does have areas that raise questions for NFL teams. Schultz’s comments pointed out that mobility is one of the biggest concerns. While Sanders can extend plays and move in the pocket, he’s not the kind of quarterback who will consistently hurt defenses with his legs. He scored nine rushing touchdowns in college but also lost yardage on sacks — which count against rushing stats in college. His mobility is considered average, and he leans on his ability to win from the pocket.
Another issue is how he handles pressure. At Colorado, he was sacked 94 times over two seasons, including 42 times last year. Some of that is on the offensive line, but Sanders has also been knocked for holding onto the ball too long as he waits for plays to develop. In the NFL, where defenses are faster and more aggressive, he’ll need to speed up his process to avoid taking unnecessary hits.
Even with some room to grow, Sanders is still viewed as one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Some experts project him as a top-five pick, while others believe he could slide to the middle or late first round. Teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants have shown interest, but his success will depend on landing with the right system and coaching staff.