The NFL Draft will begin on April 24, 2025. We take a look at Shedeur Sanders, a four-star quarterback prospect from Trinity Christian High School who ultimately committed to play for Jackson State. Sanders played two seasons for the Tigers, winning the Jerry Rice Award and Deacon Jones Trophy before eventually hitting the transfer portal in 2022 and heading to Colorado. Sanders instantly became a hit at Colorado, winning Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press and All-Pac-12 honorable mention by the coaches and College Football Network.
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Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Name: Shedeur Sanders
Jersey: No. 2
Position: Quarterback
School: Colorado
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 215 lbs.
Shedeur Sanders plays at a high level within the confines of a structured offense.
He's not going to be your creative playmaking type QB
— Kade Nix (@kadesdraftroom) July 9, 2024
Shedeur Sanders’s Strengths
Sanders plays the position with a high level of IQ. He is able to recognize coverages and pressures effectively and swiftly, making adjustments to his protection. Sanders plays with great ball security as his 27-to-three touchdown-to-interception ratio may suggest.
He is careful and considerate with the ball and will not make reckless throws. He has an adequate arm talent and is able to place the ball with great accuracy down the field. His deep passing ability is the highlight of his game as he can place throws in tight windows into receivers’ hands deep down the field. His arm strength is a plus as he delivers juice on his balls outside the numbers.
Sanders possesses a good level of poise in tense situations and seems to not let pressures and duress affect him. He keeps his eyes downfield and steps up to make throws when the pressure allows the pocket to collapse. He has lots of starting experience under his belt, demonstrating an ability to lead and rally a team behind him.
Shedeur Sanders’s Weaknesses
Sanders’ game requires refinement in several key areas, primarily related to his athleticism. One notable area is his effectiveness after broken plays where he struggles to make plays due to a lack of athleticsm. He faces challenges making plays outside of the structured offense after a play has broken down or when a pocket has collapsed.
Another significant issue is his timing, especially evident in his tendency to misjudge receivers’ timing, particularly across the middle. This results in extended ball possession and an increased vulnerability to sacks. Sanders’ tendency to hold onto the ball contributes to his high sack count, often opting for a sack over an incomplete pass. This option can skew his completion percentage favorably but damages the offensive efficiency.
Sanders also shows room for improvement in blindside awareness, occasionally failing to sense pressure in the pocket. Overall, Sanders plays at a very high level, but there are some weaknesses in his game. Addressing these areas, and an overall refinement in all aspects, will be crucial for enhancing his overall game and efficiency on the field.
Draft Projection
Shedeur Sanders finds himself in a particularly lacking 2025 quarterback class. This year, I only expect to hear the names of two or three quarterbacks called on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. While it may be competitive, Sanders does land in the first-round conversation. A good season with Colorado will go a long way for Sanders’ draft stock, and a Heisman-level year can cement him as a first-round pick.
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