NFL scouting is fundamentally flawed, and Shedeur Sanders is the proof. Everything about him screams future star quarterback, and yet some teams remain hesitant to invest in him.
At just 23 years old, Sanders has already demonstrated more than enough to turn around a struggling franchise. His college career has been a story of redemption and success, with significant contributions to both Jackson State and Colorado. At Jackson State, Sanders helped revitalize the school’s football program, earning recognition as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the nation. When he transferred to Colorado, skeptics doubted his ability to compete in the Pac 12 and Big 12 conferences. However, Sanders defied expectations, leading the team to a 9-4 record and breaking a seven-year postseason drought in his senior season.
Despite being somewhat undersized at 6’1″ and 212 lbs, Sanders has proven to be durable, having missed only two games during his four-year career. He ranked among the nation’s top passers in both yards and touchdowns, and he was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in his senior season, completing 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. In addition to his on-field success, Sanders benefits from a rare pedigree, as he is the son of Deion Sanders, an NFL Hall of Famer and current coach at Colorado.
Although Sanders is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s NFL draft, his stock has surprisingly slipped. Despite his impressive resume, many NFL scouts have not given him a first-round grade, with some even projecting him as a bottom-10 pick. Critics point to his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, and some dismiss him as a “fringe starter” similar to Teddy Bridgewater. Additionally, scouts have raised concerns about Sanders’ demeanor, noting that he doesn’t seem desperate for a job. Coming from a family with financial security, Sanders has become a polarizing figure in the NFL’s culture, with some teams perceiving his confidence and wealth as a liability.
However, if scouts could look past Sanders’ luxury lifestyle and focus on his talent, they might recognize that he is one of the most well-prepared quarterbacks in draft history. His upbringing under the guidance of his father has given him unparalleled access to the football world. Deion Sanders has mentored him from a young age, and Shedeur has also benefited from the insights of NFL legends like Tom Brady and former NFL coach Pat Shurmur. Under his father’s leadership, Shedeur turned Colorado into a competitive force, building strong relationships with his teammates and earning their admiration for his leadership and toughness.
Despite what some scouts may believe, Sanders does not fit the traditional mold of a mobile, big-arm quarterback. Instead, he is more akin to Peyton Manning, a pocket passer who thrives in pressure situations. Sanders has proven himself in clutch moments, with a career passer rating of 92.3 in two-minute drills against top-tier opponents—an all-time high. He was also notably efficient in third-down situations, where his completion percentage jumped to 85%.
The issue with NFL scouting isn’t about evaluating Sanders’ potential but rather about the biases that cloud judgment. Many teams overlook his merits, finding reasons to disqualify him, while others dismiss him based on his demeanor or background. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking to secure a long-term quarterback solution, are among the few who see Sanders’ true value. If Sanders continues to slip, some teams may regret passing on him, as his potential to be a franchise-changing quarterback is undeniable.
Shedeur Sanders is a polished, capable quarterback with a unique skill set, a high football IQ, and the leadership qualities to succeed at the next level. If NFL teams can look beyond outdated stereotypes and biases, they’ll realize that they have a rare opportunity to secure one of the most well-prepared and exciting quarterbacks in years.
