Shedeur Sanders isn’t concerned about whether or not he will be the number-one pick. He remains focused on the next stage of his career, regardless of where he lands in the draft.
Sanders’ Growth Changes Dynamic
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Perception is a mirror, not a fact.” The more he speaks, the more he starts to embody this century-plus-old axiom. The Colorado quarterback floored even his harshest critics, with attention solely focused on the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, the 2024 NCAA leader in passing accuracy appeared to change his tune, or did he? When you listen to Sanders and Scouts, anonymous or not, they have two vastly different opinions of the talent form. We all know how people can craft a narrative around themselves to seem more humble, friendly, and down to earth.
However, given this talk with Omaha Productions, you can see different sides emerging. When asked whether being the first overall pick matters, Sanders stood on business, saying:
“Why would I be mad? You gotta understand. I think about it like this. These are good problems to have. You could be in a worse situation. So, being number one doesn’t matter to me at the end of the day. Yeah, I could go number one, but it might not be a fit. It’s all about fit. Any situation you’re going to isn’t going to be the best situation.”
Specific Set of Skills
Right off the bat, we need to define Sanders as a quarterback. No, he will not run 40 yards on a dead sprint, leaving corners in his wake. Instead, you will see a player who can place the ball wherever he wants, allowing for yards after catch. With his touch and precision, the future first-rounder can threaten defenses at all three levels.
Additionally, he doesn’t flinch in the face of a rush. This game against Colorado State showed him a knack for standing in the pocket, absorbing hits, and delivering the ball. In a world where athleticism reigns supreme in the NFL, the ability to thrive as a pass-first quarterback will catch a team’s eye early. Lennox Tate, an analyst with nfldraftbuzz.com, praises Sanders for the film, stating:
“In the right system with proper development time, Sanders has legitimate franchise quarterback potential. His combination of accuracy, leadership, and proven ability to elevate his game in crucial moments creates an intriguing package for QB-needy teams early in the first round.”
Best Fits
Three teams fit Sanders, which would be the absolute best-case scenario. First, although the Raiders traded for Geno Smith, the team still needs a quarterback of the future. Smith has one year remaining on his deal.
As a result, the team could use him as a bridge to the rookie, who eventually supplants him. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly wants to move the ball vertically and emphasize pace and pocket poise. Next, the New York Jets need help in every possible way. Aaron Rodgers won more package headlines than games.
New York needs someone to lead a team with young offensive talent and a stingy defense. Speaking of New York, their fellow Met Life Stadium tenant, the Giants, after drafting Daniel Jones, seeing that combust and witnessing Saquon Barkley win a championship hurts. However, the team will need a plan to bring Sanders into that plan.
KEEP READING: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders’ Behavior Under the Microscope As NFL Draft Drama Builds
Sanders will help the right NFL find their way. More importantly, he wants to help a franchise win. Remember what he does well instead of what you see others do. He’s not Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts. Instead, he plays the game with his standards and wants to thrive within those constraints.
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