Deion Sanders’ substantial involvement in his son Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft process raises concerns among league insiders and could hurt the Colorado quarterback’s draft stock. The Hall of Famer, now known as Coach Prime, has suggested he might take action if a team picks Shedeur he disapproves of—similar to Eli Manning’s famous draft-day move.
This has made some NFL coaches, general managers, and owners uneasy, fearing that drafting Shedeur also means dealing with his outspoken father. “You’re not just drafting Shedeur. You’re drafting the family,” an NFC executive told ESPN, worrying that Deion’s influence could disrupt team chemistry or pressure coaches.
Despite Shedeur’s impressive 2024 season—throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns—his stock has reportedly dropped at the NFL Scouting Combine, with most scouts now ranking Miami’s Cam Ward ahead of him. Former NFL receiver James Jones spoke about the issue on FS1’s “The Facility,” advising Deion to step back, warning that his involvement might scare teams away and hurt Shedeur’s draft chances.
What Exactly Did James Jones Say?
Coach Prime has changed his stance on his son Shedeur’s 2025 NFL Draft plans, saying he will no longer try to influence the process. In an interview with Skip Bayless on “The Skip Bayless Show” this week, Sanders said, “Honestly, Shedeur has told me, he’s talked to me intently about all the visits he’s had with all the teams, so I know where his heart is, I know where he wants to go.”
“If it’s New York, it’s New York, if it’s Tennessee, if it’s Cleveland, if it’s still the Raiders, if it’s New Orleans, if it’s any of those teams that are seeking a quarterback, I’m happy with it, man. Because I know what he’s going to do to the organization.” His comments show he is now open to any team drafting Shedeur, a change from earlier hints that he might step in to control the process.
Jones supported Coach Prime’s decision to step back from his son Shedeur’s 2025 NFL Draft process. In a March 28, 2025, segment of “The Facility,” Jones praised the change in approach. He had previously urged Coach Prime to “stay out of it” and reiterated his stance, saying, “I told you, Deion needs to stay out of it.”
Jones approved of Coach Prime’s new position after he told Skip Bayless he’d be “happy” with any team drafting Shedeur. Jones called it a smart move, believing it would ease concerns from NFL teams about Coach Prime’s involvement and help Shedeur’s draft stock by letting his talent stand on its own.
In that same segment, LeSean McCoy strongly disagreed with Jones’ approval of Coach Prime stepping back from Shedeur’s 2025 NFL Draft process. While Jones praised the decision, McCoy argued that parents should be involved, saying, “Deion’s a Hall of Famer, he knows the league, he’s been there. Why wouldn’t you want that guidance?”
McCoy believed Coach Prime’s NFL experience justifies his involvement and could help protect Shedeur from ending up with a struggling team. This view conflicted with Jones’ stance that Coach Prime’s influence might scare off franchises and hurt Shedeur’s draft stock.
Ultimately, Coach Prime’s decision to step back from Shedeur’s draft process could be a key move for the young QB’s future. Allowing Shedeur to stand on his own might help ease any concerns NFL teams have about Deion’s involvement.
KEEP READING: Top 10 2025 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders Sit at the Top
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Shedeur to see where his talents take him in the NFL.
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