Shedeur Sanders’ decision to skip throwing drills at the NFL Combine has sparked a lot of debate, but it’s not necessarily a reason to panic. While some might see this as a sign of weakness or lack of confidence, there are several valid reasons why Sanders might have made this choice.
Historically, many top quarterback prospects have opted out of throwing at the Combine, and it hasn’t hurt their draft stock.1 They often prefer to throw at their pro day, where they have more control over the environment and can work with familiar receivers.
In Sanders’ case, it’s possible that he’s already received assurances from teams picking early in the draft. If he’s confident that he’ll be a top-three pick, there’s not much incentive for him to risk injury or a poor performance at the Combine.
Additionally, waiting for his pro day allows Sanders to showcase his skills in a more controlled setting. He can work with his Colorado teammates, and he can tailor the workout to highlight his strengths.
While some might see this as a negative, NFL teams likely won’t put too much stock into Sanders’ decision. They have plenty of game film to evaluate his throwing ability, and the Combine is more about the interview process and medical evaluations.
Overall, while it’s understandable for fans to be concerned about any decision that could potentially impact Sanders’ draft stock, it’s important to remember that this is a common practice for top quarterback prospects. Sanders is still a highly talented player with a bright future, and his decision to skip throwing drills at the Combine is unlikely to change that.
