Shedeur Sanders was one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some mock drafts suggesting he could be picked as high as No. 2 overall, and others predicting that he wouldn’t even be picked in the first round.
Unfortunately for the former Colorado quarterback, that latter scenario came to pass, as Sanders slid all the way out of Round 1, remaining available into Day 2 of the draft. Despite plenty of impressive traits, including upper-echelon accuracy, the red flags and media circus surrounding Sanders and his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, clearly pushed the quarterback down teams’ draft boards.
With plenty of fans still trying to explain Sanders’ slide, one NFL legend had a controversial explanation that will surely fuel the Sanders family’s fire.
Chad Ochocinco Suggests NFL Teams Colluded To Keep Shedeur Sanders Out of First Round
While filming an episode of his “Nightcap” show with co-host Shannon Sharpe, former NFL wide receiver (and six-time Pro Bowler) Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson claimed that Sanders’ fall out of the first round wasn’t due to the quarterback’s perceived lack of talent; instead, he suggested the league colluded to keep the Colorado product on the board for Day 2.
“It’s not like it’s out of the realm of possibility. This has been a collective effort… media, GMs, owners, for the simple fact they allowed [Shedeur Sanders to fall],” Ochocinco claimed.
When asked if he felt that Sanders was colluded against because of his family name (and ties to his father), Ochocinco didn’t mince words.
“There’s no other reason. Turn on the film.”
NFL Legend Chad Ochocinco on Shedeur Sanders not getting Drafted in the First Round 👀
“This has been a collective effort..Media, GM’s, and Owners”
“Turn on the film”
🎥 : @NightcapShow_ pic.twitter.com/8TMlo6Udt5
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs)
Sanders is coming off a dominant season, leading the Big 12 in completion rate (74.0%), passing yards (4,134), and passing touchdowns (37). He’d be a dynamic addition for any team looking for a franchise QB.
In PFSN’s scouting report on the QB, the 23-year-old is commended for his toughness and accuracy from the pocket, as well as his ability to make plays on the fly. However, PFSN’s Jacob Infante does warn of his lackluster throwing velocity and tendency to hang onto the ball too long.
There’s no question about Sanders’ production or pedigree. The debate centers on how he projects at the next level. His game is built on accuracy, confidence, and poise, which stem from his pre-snap recognition and processing. His arm talent is more than good enough, but not elite.
Sanders doesn’t bring much as a dynamic athlete or off-platform creator, and he can sometimes drift in the pocket or play too light on his feet — traits that could limit him at the next level.
After the Cleveland Browns passed on him with both the No. 33 and No. 36 overall picks at the top of the second round, it’s an open question who will stop Sanders’ precipitous fall in the draft.