Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has generated automatic hype in the NFL Draft due to his last name. However, it’s unclear if he would receive similar treatment without his famous father’s influence.
Sanders doesn’t fit the typical mold of first-round quarterback prospects, who are often expected to possess elite physical traits and dynamic playing styles. Instead, he is an average passer with pro-ready skills but limited physical abilities. His accuracy and ability to read defenses will always be valuable assets, but teams need quarterbacks who can excel in the pocket.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler confirmed that not every team has a first-round grade on Sanders, suggesting he might only get drafted if one team falls in love with him. Scouts praise his toughness, confidence, and calmness in clutch situations, which helped elevate Colorado’s program. However, his traits don’t match the hype surrounding him.
The key to Sanders’ success lies in his mental side of the game. He excels at identifying blitzes and reacting properly, but not to an elite level. His pocket play is inconsistent, partly due to playing behind porous offensive lines during his college career. A strong team with a solid offensive line would be crucial in helping him overcome these weaknesses.
Ultimately, Sanders’ bet is that he will become adept at the mental side of the game and overcome his limitations, allowing him to continually beat teams with his brains. Whether or not this is enough to justify a first-round investment remains uncertain, making it a fascinating watch for NFL Draft fans.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6172126/2025/03/04/shedeur-sanders-draft-film-review