Shedeur Sanders has been one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, impressing with his play at Jackson State and Colorado. Despite his impressive stats and skill set, he has become one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory, with opinions on his potential ranging widely.
Why has Sanders’ draft stock fluctuated so drastically? With so much attention surrounding his talent, it’s worth examining the factors that have led to such divided opinions. This article explores the inconsistencies in his evaluation and what’s driving the debate.
Shedeur Sanders’ Inconsistent Draft Evaluation Sparks Debate
Sanders hasn’t thrown a meaningful, in-game pass since bowl season. Yet, the opinions on his talent and potential fit in the NFL vary widely. With the same film available to everyone, why does it seem like people take his draft stock so personally?
In a business where production and winning matter, the fluctuating views on Sanders’ potential remain too divided to ignore. In professional sports, it’s essential to set aside personal feelings and look at the player objectively.
Scouts need to take note of this and ensure their evaluations are fair and based on the player’s abilities, not personal biases. For balanced analysis, scouts can watch NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport’s comments on Sanders from the Pat McAfee Show, which offers a deeper look at the draft.
The Role of Anonymous Sources in Draft Evaluations
Now, let’s talk about the sticky part: anonymous sources. In the sports media world, maintaining a network of anonymous sources is key. However, there’s a difference between maintaining anonymity and using it to make uncredited criticisms.
While scouts and coaches might be quick to offer opinions, many refuse to put their names behind them. If a coach or scout feels strongly about a player, they should be willing to attach their name to their work and stand by their assessment.
Media commentary, on the other hand, doesn’t carry the same weight. Journalists don’t have the power to influence a player’s draft position or where they sign. ESPN reporter Josina Anderson shared a comment from an anonymous coach regarding Sanders.
“The coach is also not in favor of drafting him [Sanders]. That is what prompted my post because there are other folks in the building who vehemently disagree with that assessment. The comments (all of which I did not report) were over the top. Even beyond football, Sanders is obviously a marketing star as well,” Anderson reported.
It seems like the coach’s comments went beyond football and leaned into personal bias, possibly even resentment towards Sanders.
Are Racial Biases Impacting Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stock?
If, as Anderson suggests, the criticism of Sanders is personal rather than based solely on football, it raises another issue. Among many in the Black community, there’s growing concern that Sanders’ slide in the draft may be influenced by his race.
While we can’t know the coach’s background, it’s hard to ignore how differently Sanders has been treated compared to others, especially Cam Ward, who also played at an FCS school before transferring to a Power Five school. Ward, who is also Black, has generally been praised for his demeanor and professionalism.
I am disappointed to hear that a quarterbacks coach from a team drafting in the top 7 referred to Shedeur Sanders as coming off “brash” and “arrogant” in his team interview and making his assessment known to a number of people, per source. I’m purposely not naming the team, as… pic.twitter.com/OjCTciEZIa
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 3, 2025
Throughout history, the NFL hasn’t exactly had a spotless record when it comes to Black quarterbacks. It wasn’t until 1987 that a Black quarterback won a Super Bowl, and for years, Black signal-callers were either shifted to other positions or forced to play elsewhere.
Warren Moon, for instance, had to spend six years in the Canadian Football League before finally getting a shot in the NFL. This history cannot be ignored when discussing Sanders, who, like Moon, may be facing an uphill battle due to factors beyond his control.
How NIL Has Changed the NFL Draft Process for Players Like Sanders
Shedeur Sanders and other draftees of his era are entering the NFL under very different circumstances than players did in the past. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have already made first-round picks wealthy before they even step onto an NFL field.
NFL coaches, like their college counterparts, love to maintain control over their rosters. However, NIL has shifted that power dynamic. Players now come into the league not only as athletes but as full-fledged brands. Their names and endorsements carry significant off-field value, which puts pressure on teams to manage the business side of their careers right away.
This change often ruffles the feathers of “old-school” coaches, who are accustomed to maintaining a certain level of control. They may feel threatened by players who enter the league with a strong personal brand and the financial backing that comes with it. This shift in power dynamics can make some coaches uncomfortable, especially those who are used to dominating their players in ways that challenge their personal bravado.
Shedeur Sanders: Game-Ready and Draft-Ready for the NFL
To many, Shedeur Sanders is one of the most game-ready quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Whichever team selects him will likely throw him into the starting lineup right away. His accuracy and ability to quickly process what he sees on the field remain among his strengths.
The issue with Sanders doesn’t lie with his talent or potential. The real problem seems to be with those who, behind closed doors, try to hide their biases and misgivings about him. They are upset by a player who dares to be different from their traditional idea of what a quarterback should be. And for some, that difference is enough to hold Sanders back.
