Shedeur Sanders is expected to go off the board as a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His dominant performance for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2024 has skyrocketed his stock, and teams are already looking to get him. In view of the upcoming NFL Combine, which is scheduled to happen from February 27 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sanders has decided to skip the drills.
He opted to indulge in interviews and meetings with teams at the event. This announcement raised many eyebrows, including scouts like Matt Miller, who was critical about this move.
Shedeur Sanders’ Decision To Skip NFL Combine Draws Heat
The Colorado QB has already showcased his prowess in college with almost 30+ game tapes at his disposal. Last season, he racked up 4,134 passing yards and scored 37 touchdowns while conceding only 10 interceptions. His accuracy and slinging ability make him a top prospect, and franchises already have a gist of what he brings to the table.
But his decision to opt out of workouts drew criticism. While speaking to ESPN, Matt Miller mentioned that it was not a smart move and he should have rather showcased his skill sets.
“It’s not a huge surprise that Shedeur Sanders has opted to not throw out the combine, because we just saw him one month ago show up to the East-West Shrine game and not participate there as well, after saying he would. So this is kind of the method that they’re going with this offseason,” Miller said.
“This was an opportunity that I think Shedeur and his camp are really missing out on, where he could show that he is that No. 1 quarterback in this class.” @nfldraftscout on Shedeur Sanders’ decision to not workout at the Scouting Combine. pic.twitter.com/iClC1Ug8t3
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 24, 2025
“The point that I would make is that Shedeur Sanders is not the top quarterback in this year’s draft. That’s Miami’s Cam Ward, and the fact is, this quarterback group is very unsettled. We don’t have a number one quarterback like we did last year with Caleb Williams, even maybe the year before, with Bryce Young, where he felt like the number one guy throughout the entire process.
“This is a wide open race for the number one quarterback spot in the 2025 NFL Draft. And this is a second opportunity now with the East-West Shrine game where Shedeur Sanders has said, “I’m good. I’m going to wait till the next event”.
“So all pressure now is on that Colorado Pro Day. Personally, I’m not a fan of this. I think you take every opportunity given to you to prove that you’re the guy we heard of the sound by him saying, I’m going to be the guy. Go show that you are. CJ Stroud threw at the combine.
“Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, we saw three guys who were first-round picks last year throughout the combine, and it improved their stock. So if Shedeur Sanders’ camp would have asked me a week ago, I would have said, this is an opportunity to prove he’s better than Cam or to prove he’s better than Jackson Dart, to prove he’s better than whoever the hot quarterback of the moment is,” he added.
According to the NFL Draft order, the Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick and are reportedly in contention for a QB. Similarly, the Cleveland Browns and the New Giants are looking to bolster their offense.