Well, Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock just tripped over its own shoelaces, and now the pro league world senses an opportunity. A guy who was once projected as a top-ten pick is now slipping in the draft. His accuracy and arm strength were first called into question by scouts. Then, the Cam Ward comparisons added fuel to the fire. But now? His decision to skip the NFL Combine has everyone talking. The million-dollar question is: Is Shedeur Sanders really slipping, or is this just pre-draft hype?
Right now, it’s all about the pre-draft hype. Shedeur Sanders is a “generational talent” who’s backed up by strong stats. This guy led the nation in completion percentage at 74%, with 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Pretty impressive, huh? NFL Rookie Watch has drawn a parallel between him and some of the great talents of the pro league, like Trevor Lawrence, stating, “Several NFL scouts believe this year’s QB class is better than the 2021 class, which included 8 QBs taken in the first THREE rounds.”
Trevor Lawrence Comparisons
That comparison is certainly intriguing. Trevor Lawrence was a first-round pick with dual-threat abilities, but if we examine his college stats, they paint a different picture. With a 69.2% completion rate, 3,153 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions, Lawrence loses some ground to Shedeur in terms of completion percentages and passing yards. Scouts believe this year’s QB class has more depth than the 2021 class, setting a high bar for the prospects entering the draft.
This year’s notable QBs include:
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
- Cam Ward (Miami)
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)
- Jalen Milroe
Doubts Surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Potential
The doubts around Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock are more than just hype. Media platform NFL insider Field Yates compared Cam Ward’s skills with those of Shedeur. Imagining the moments leading up to the Draft, analysts remarked, “Cam Ward [is] the better innovator, who has more magic to him — second-reaction plays. Shedeur Sanders is a more refined pocket passer that, if given time and space, can really carve up the defense.”
However, the NFL may not prioritize pocket passers anymore. Mel Kiper Jr., a well-known draft analyst, raises concerns by asking if Shedeur really fits the current NFL mold. Following conversations with scouts, Kiper emphasized doubts like, “Well… Shedeur is not really what we are looking for. The NFL is not really looking for that kind of quarterback.” Analysts wonder whether Shedeur can compete against dual-threat QBs such as Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, with many finding that he lacks that dynamic capability.
Even with Kiper’s defense of Sanders, the overall impression remains negative, causing a storm around his draft potential.
Dipping Draft Stock of Shedeur Sanders
The drop in Shedeur Sanders’ stock is not just a minor hiccup. His recent decision to skip throwing drills at the NFL Combine raised eyebrows among NFL teams. Although he will still partake in interviews, teams will now have to wait until Colorado’s Pro Day to evaluate his throwing ability. This choice isn’t uncommon—other top players like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye have also opted out of similar pre-draft events.
What complicated matters is Shedeur’s choice to pass on the East-West Shrine Bowl, stoking concerns about his commitment. Some reports suggested that the Browns advised him to sit out, further igniting the speculation surrounding his dedication to football.
By choosing to skip pivotal pre-draft events, Sanders raises flags for NFL teams that leave no stone unturned in their evaluations.
Worrying Comparisons and Pressures of the NFL Draft
The comparisons surrounding Shedeur Sanders have grown increasingly odd. One scout has drawn a comparison to Tom Brady, while another views him as a larger version of Teddy Bridgewater. Such contrasting opinions are enough to make front offices anxious. While some praise his polished pocket presence and accurate throws, others worry about his decision-making when faced with pressure.
The factors impacting Shedeur’s draft stock extend beyond mechanics. Conversations about his priorities now heavily intertwine with the discussion. Within the NFL, patience is a scarce commodity; teams expect top prospects to seize every opportunity to showcase their skill. Although skipping the Combine might not be a deal-breaker, it becomes problematic when viewed alongside his previous absences.
Is Shedeur avoiding challenges, or is he simply strategizing for the long term? As the clock ticks down to the draft, teams are monitoring his situation closely, eager to see how he handles the pressure and expectations ahead.
Whether these pre-draft decisions hold weight or reflect potential shortcomings remains to be seen as the NFL’s demands climb higher. Shedeur Sanders is at a crossroads, and the upcoming months are crucial for shaping his NFL future.