As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, Shedeur Sanders’ stock has become one of the most intriguing and unpredictable storylines in the pre-draft process.
While the Colorado quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his college career, opinions about his potential at the next level seem to vary dramatically among NFL evaluators.
One NFC personnel executive, speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, described Sanders as a “fringe starter,” drawing a comparison to veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
“Fringe starter who makes good decisions and does some good things but won’t get you over the top,” the executive said.
This sentiment is not isolated.
Fowler’s poll of six high-level personnel evaluators revealed that four did not consider Sanders to be a first-round pick, while the remaining two saw him as a “mid-to-late first-round talent.”
The contrasting opinions on Sanders’ NFL prospects are further reflected in the range of player comparisons being thrown around.
Besides Bridgewater, Sanders has also been compared to Chad Pennington. It should be noted that the Pennington comparison comes from arguably Sanders’ biggest supporter in the business – ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson sees similarities to Geno Smith, although with less arm strength.
“Sanders takes too many hits because he tries to make a play and holds onto the ball. Sanders must improve his anticipation and get the ball out of his hands quicker. He would benefit from more velocity on drive throws,” Parson wrote.
A major criticism that pops up consistently in Sanders’ scouting reports revolves around his tendency to chase big plays rather than sticking to the timing and rhythm of the offense.
Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice echoed similar concerns, noting that Sanders has a “bad tendency to drift backward in the pocket” instead of stepping up into throws.
This tendency could be a significant issue as he adjusts to the speed and pressure of NFL defenses.
While it’s clear that Sanders’ playstyle has some areas for improvement, it’s also important to consider the context of his performance at Colorado. The Buffaloes’ offensive line, often criticized for poor protection, certainly played a role in Sanders’ struggles.
However, his 94 sacks over the past two seasons can’t be entirely blamed on his line. Sanders’ tendency to hold the ball longer than necessary may have contributed to some of those pressures.
On a positive note, Sanders showed improvement at Colorado’s recent pro day, impressing scouts with increased velocity on his passes compared to what was seen on his college tape.
Although his arm strength isn’t regarded as elite, it has been deemed good enough to succeed in the NFL.
Comparisons to Teddy Bridgewater, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2014 draft, seem inevitable given the evaluation of Sanders’ skillset.
While Bridgewater’s career has been hampered by injuries, he still enjoyed success in his early years, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2015.
Over the course of his first two seasons, Bridgewater threw for 6,150 yards, 28 touchdowns, and completed 64.9 percent of his passes.
Though his career was derailed by a devastating knee injury, Bridgewater has remained in the league for over a decade, a testament to the longevity possible for a quarterback with solid, if unspectacular, skills.
For Sanders, a comparison to Bridgewater may seem underwhelming given the hype surrounding him.
With the 2025 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, Sanders’ future remains uncertain.
As NFL teams weigh his potential against his current limitations, it’s clear that his path to success will require significant development – both in refining his mechanics and adjusting to the demands of the pro game.
What are your thoughts on Sanders as a prospect? Do you agree with the many evaluators that claim he’s not a first-round talent?
When it’s all said and done, where do you think he’ll end up being drafted???
