The road from a late-round pick to NFL stardom is a tough one, but history shows that it’s not impossible.
Shedeur Sanders, a once highly-touted quarterback prospect, has the tools to make it, but his success will depend heavily on his development, landing spot, and resilience.
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Potential: Can a Day 3 Pick Still Shine Like a Star?
While Sanders’ surprising fall is partly due to concerns about his perceived lack of upside and flashy persona, he remains one of the most polished quarterbacks in the class when it comes to the core fundamentals: accuracy and anticipation.
However, being a Day 3 pick drastically lowers expectations and opportunities. The odds are against him, but not insurmountable.
There are examples of quarterbacks who overcame low draft status to become NFL starters, and even stars. Russell Wilson is perhaps the gold standard.
Drafted 75th overall in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Wilson beat out a high-priced free agent in Matt Flynn and quickly led the Seattle Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.
He has since earned nine Pro Bowl nods and is considered one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks of his era. Wilson’s journey from a third-round pick to an NFL icon proves that stars can still emerge from Day 3.
Desmond Ridder also offers a more recent example. Coming out of Cincinnati, Ridder helped lead the Bearcats to a College Football Playoff berth, but skepticism about the 2022 quarterback class caused him to slip deep into the draft.
He eventually became the Atlanta Falcons’ starter by the end of his rookie season, showing that with enough patience and the right system, Day 3 quarterbacks can earn starting roles.
Of course, not every story is a success. Malik Willis, another Day 3 quarterback from the 2022 draft, was once projected as a potential top-10 pick before sliding to the third round.
After an uneven start to his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, Willis’ future remains uncertain. Similarly, Matt Corral was once viewed as a fringe first-rounder before falling to No. 94 overall, only to have his career derailed by injury and coaching changes.
For Sanders, the path to stardom will require more than just raw talent. It will demand adaptability, hard work, and mental toughness. His ability to thrive will largely depend on the organization that drafts him, the coaching he receives, and how willing teams are to invest in his development despite his Day 3 status.
Shedeur Sanders’ upside remains intriguing. His pocket feel, timing, and ball placement are among the best in this class.
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If he can land in a stable organization that allows him to learn and grow without immediate pressure, he has a real chance to follow in the footsteps of past Day 3 success stories. While rare, Day 3 quarterbacks have made it big before, and Shedeur Sanders has the skills to add his name to that short but impressive list.
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