As the NFL Combine approaches, all eyes are on Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado, who has become a focal point for many draft analysts. Although he won’t be participating in drills at the event, opting instead to showcase his skills at his pro day, it hasn’t dulled the excitement surrounding his potential landing spots in the upcoming draft.
Let’s dive into three teams that seem poised to make Sanders an integral part of their future, allowing him to shine in both his rookie season and beyond.
Cleveland Browns (#2 Overall)
The Cleveland Browns are a name that has consistently come up alongside Sanders, particularly since his performances at the Shrine Bowl. The connection appears almost cinematic, as head coach Kevin Stefanski recently elaborated on the key traits he looks for in a quarterback—decision-making, accuracy, and the ability to process the game quickly. These attributes perfectly align with what Sanders brings to the table. Given that the Browns hold the second overall pick, selecting Sanders could be a move that pays dividends right away, transforming their offense under Stefanski’s vision.
New York Jets (#7 Overall)
Turning our attention to New York, the Jets present another appealing destination for Sanders. The situation in New York is ripe with potential, thanks to an array of skilled playmakers. With the likes of Breece Hall in the backfield and Garrett Wilson catching passes, Sanders would have a solid foundation upon which to build his professional career. Furthermore, if the Jets believe he needs a little more time to develop, bringing in veteran Tyrod Taylor as a bridge quarterback offers a smart solution. Taylor’s experience mentoring young quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Justin Herbert can smooth Sanders’ transition to the NFL. Plus, having grown up around the media whirlwind thanks to his father, Deion, Sanders should have no trouble adjusting to the spotlight of New York City.
New Orleans Saints (#9 Overall)
Lastly, we can’t overlook the New Orleans Saints, who find themselves in a unique situation. While cap constraints might suggest a quarterback isn’t on their immediate radar, the advantages of having a cost-controlled rookie quarterback like Sanders could be too enticing to pass up. With the Saints sticking with Derek Carr as their starting quarterback for now, he could serve as a valuable mentor for Sanders, while new offensive-minded head coach Kellen Moore can help cultivate Sanders’ skill set over time. Imagine the possibilities as Sanders enters a competitive NFC South, going against quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., Bryce Young, and Baker Mayfield twice a year—this would not only be thrilling for Sanders but also elevate the narrative around the division overall.
In short, Sanders’ journey through the draft process may lead him to any of these three teams, each with its own unique merits. As the Combine kicks off and we continue to track his progress, one thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders is a name that will resonate through this year’s NFL Draft.
