“An NFL assistant coach on Shedeur Sanders: ‘The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.’”
With Sanders widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class—projected as the No. 6 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in our recent mock draft—this anonymous critique could have a significant impact on his draft stock and public perception.
The Context: Shedeur Sanders’ Journey to the NFL
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been a polarizing figure throughout his college football career. After starting at Jackson State under his father’s coaching, Sanders transferred to Colorado in 2023 when Deion took the head coaching job with the Buffaloes. Over two seasons at Colorado, Sanders showcased his arm talent and poise, throwing for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions in 2023, followed by an even stronger 2024 campaign that solidified his status as a top prospect.
His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to extend plays have drawn praise from scouts, with many seeing him as a potential franchise quarterback. However, Sanders has also faced criticism for his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to sacks, and for occasional lapses in leadership. Despite these concerns, his draft stock remained high heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, with many teams viewing him as a polished passer with room to grow.
The Critique: Breaking Down the Coach’s Comments
The anonymous NFL assistant coach’s comments, as reported by Complex Sports, are a damning indictment of Sanders both as a player and as a person. Let’s break down the key points:
- “The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in my life. He’s so entitled.”
The pre-draft interview process is a critical part of evaluating prospects, allowing teams to assess a player’s character, football IQ, and fit within their organization. The coach’s assertion that Sanders’ interview was the worst they’ve ever experienced suggests a lack of professionalism, humility, or preparedness. The label of “entitled” could point to an attitude that may not mesh well with the team-oriented culture of the NFL. - “He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language.”
These criticisms target Sanders’ on-field performance. Taking unnecessary sacks and failing to play on time indicate issues with pocket presence and decision-making—two critical traits for an NFL quarterback. The mention of “horrible body language” suggests Sanders may not handle adversity well, potentially impacting his leadership and how he’s perceived by teammates. - “He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.”
Perhaps the most damaging part of the critique is the accusation that Sanders lacks accountability, instead pointing fingers at teammates when things go wrong. The final blow—“he’s not that good”—directly challenges the narrative that Sanders is a top-tier prospect, calling into question his overall talent and potential at the next level.
The Fallout: Reactions on X and Beyond
The Complex Sports post, published 19 hours prior to April 23, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of reactions on X, with fans, analysts, and former players weighing in on the controversy. The post’s viral nature—amassing significant engagement in less than a day—reflects the polarizing nature of Sanders as a prospect.
Some users on X sided with the anonymous coach, pointing to Sanders’ on-field struggles as evidence of his shortcomings.
@NFLScout247 wrote: “I’ve been saying this about Shedeur for months. Holds the ball too long, doesn’t take responsibility, and his numbers are inflated by a weak Pac-12. This isn’t a surprise.” Others echoed the sentiment about his attitude, with @FootballFanatic9 commenting: “Entitlement is a killer in the NFL. If Shedeur doesn’t check that ego, he’s gonna flop hard.”
However, Sanders also has his defenders. Many fans pointed to his statistical success and the challenges he faced at Colorado, including a porous offensive line that led to frequent sacks.
@BuffsNation responded: “Shedeur played behind one of the worst O-lines in college football. Of course he took sacks. Blaming him for that is lazy scouting.” Others questioned the anonymity of the coach, with
@CFBInsider tweeting: “If this coach has so much to say, why hide behind anonymity? Sounds like someone with an agenda trying to tank Shedeur’s draft stock.”
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Sanders’ Draft Stock
The timing of this critique couldn’t be worse for Sanders, as NFL teams are finalizing their draft boards ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, set to take place on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. While Sanders’ on-field tape and production make him a first-round talent, off-field concerns like the ones raised by this coach could cause teams to think twice.
Quarterbacks are often held to a higher standard when it comes to leadership and intangibles. If teams perceive Sanders as entitled or lacking accountability, they may hesitate to invest a high draft pick in him, especially given the premium placed on the position. The Las Vegas Raiders, who were projected to select Sanders at No. 6 in our recent mock draft, may now face a tougher decision, weighing his talent against these red flags.
Additionally, the critique could impact Sanders’ interactions with other teams during the pre-draft process. He’ll likely face tougher questions in interviews, with coaches and GMs probing his attitude, leadership, and ability to handle criticism. How Sanders responds to this adversity could be just as important as his on-field performance in determining his draft fate.
Shedeur Sanders’ Path Forward
For Shedeur Sanders, the next few weeks will be critical. He has the opportunity to address these concerns head-on, whether through media appearances, private workouts, or additional team interviews. Demonstrating humility, accountability, and a willingness to grow could help mitigate the damage caused by the coach’s comments.
Sanders also has a strong support system in his father, Deion Sanders, who has navigated the NFL as both a player and a coach. Deion’s guidance could be invaluable as Shedeur prepares for the draft and the challenges of professional football. If Shedeur can show teams that he’s coachable and committed to improving, he may still land in the first round.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for NFL Prospects
The anonymous NFL assistant coach’s critique of Shedeur Sanders serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny faced by draft prospects, particularly at the quarterback position. While Sanders’ talent is undeniable, this controversy highlights the importance of intangibles like leadership, accountability, and professionalism in the evaluation process.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Sanders to see how he responds to this criticism. Will he rise above the noise and prove his doubters wrong, or will these concerns linger, potentially costing him a spot in the first round? For now, the debate rages on X and beyond, with Sanders’ future hanging in the balance.
