Sure😎 or Detour🫤: Is Shedeur Sanders a Solid Top 2 NFL Draft Pick?🤔
By Ha Kung Wong
Shedeur Sanders enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most statistically accomplished quarterbacks in recent history. Having rewritten record books at both Jackson State and Colorado, Sanders boasts a remarkable collegiate career with over 13,000 total passing yards, 121 touchdowns, and only 23 interceptions. His precision was unparalleled in 2024, leading all FBS quarterbacks with a 74.2% completion rate leading to an NCAA leading career completion percentage of 71.8%. But just like fellow top quarterback prospect Cam Ward, as we also discussed on the podcast, there are concerns about his transition to the NFL, providing some risk to teams considering taking him at the top of the first round.
Strengths That Shine
Sanders’ accuracy is undeniable. He excels in the short and intermediate passing game, thriving in rhythm-based offenses that emphasize timing routes. His ability to hit receivers in stride gives his offense the ability to sustain drives efficiently. With a 69.3% completion rate in 2023 and the aforementioned FBS-leading 74.2% completion rate in his final season at Colorado, Sanders proved he can maintain high efficiency against Power Five competition.
| Season | Team | G | Cmp | Att | Cmp% | Yds | TD | Int | Y/A | Y/G | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Colorado | 11 | 298 | 430 | 69.3 | 3230 | 27 | 3 | 7.5 | 293.6 | 151.7 |
| 2024* | Colorado | 13 | 353 | 477 | 74.0 | 4134 | 37 | 10 | 8.7 | 318.0 | 168.2 |
| Care | Care | 24 | 651 | 907 | 71.8 | 7364 | 64 | 13 | 8.1 | 306.8 | 160.4 |
His pocket awareness is another asset. Sanders has shown patience in scanning the field, keeping his eyes downfield under pressure. His smooth throwing mechanics and quick release allow him to deliver the ball with precision, making him an ideal fit for systems reliant on timing and short-area efficiency.
The Red Flags
Despite his strengths, Sanders’ game presents several concerns that could hinder his ability to succeed at the next level. One of the most pressing issues is his propensity to hold onto the ball too long. In 2023 and 2024, he took a staggering 94 combined sacks, many of which were avoidable. Rather than throwing the ball away, Sanders often tries to extend plays unnecessarily, exposing himself to unnecessary hits. This bad habit could lead to durability concerns in the NFL, where defenses are significantly faster and more punishing.
Additionally, his decision-making, though generally strong, showed signs of regression late in the 2024 season, particularly in a very uninspiring 14 to 36 Alamo Bowl loss against BYU where Sanders had his lowest QBR of the season (18.6). At times, he displayed overconfidence in his arm talent, attempting tight-window throws that may not translate well against the closing speed of NFL defenders. His tendency to drift in the pocket rather than stepping up exacerbates the problem, making him vulnerable to pressure and forcing him into unfavorable throwing situations.
Physical Limitations
While Sanders possesses a solid frame, he is not an elite athlete by NFL standards. His arm strength is average, meaning he won’t be the type of quarterback to stretch the field consistently with deep throws. Additionally, his mobility is serviceable but not a weapon—he is not the kind of quarterback who can make defenses pay with his legs. In fact, he averaged just -0.6 yards per carry while at Colorado. This limitation means he will have to rely heavily on timing, precision, and pocket discipline, areas that still need refinement.
| Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | Rush | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | G | Att | Yds | Y/A | TD | Y/G |
| 2023 | Colorado | 11 | 111 | -77 | -0.7 | 4 | -7.0 |
| 2024* | Colorado | 13 | 100 | -50 | -0.5 | 4 | -3.8 |
| Care | Care | 24 | 211 | -127 | -0.6 | 8 | -5.3 |
The Verdict: Boom-or-Bust Potential?
Shedeur Sanders’ collegiate success is undeniable, but his NFL projection comes with considerable risk. His accuracy and efficiency may be first-round traits, but his issues with pocket movement, decision-making under pressure, and sack avoidance raise red flags. If he lands in a system that emphasizes quick decision-making and provides solid offensive line protection, he could thrive. However, if forced to play behind a shaky offensive line or in a system requiring long developing routes or improvisation, his weaknesses could be exposed.
For NFL teams considering Sanders in the first round, the question remains: does his upside outweigh the risks? While he has the tools to succeed, his flaws suggest that selecting him early in the draft comes with significant uncertainty. Currently, draft pundits have compared Sanders to Geno Smith, Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson, players with very different career arcs. Currently, consensus NFL Draft Big Boards have him at 19.5 overall, with the Bleacher Report being highest on him at 17 and The Athletic being the lowest on him at 25. But, as we’ve said before, we know that the NFL is a quarterback league. A team must be prepared to develop his pocket awareness and decision-making to maximize his potential and avoid a costly misstep in their franchise’s future.