As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, rumors surrounding the quarterback class continue to swirl.
While intriguing, there are no quarterback prospects that have emerged as a clear-cut, can’t-miss star – including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, widely projected as a top-7 pick, has earned praise for his accuracy, poise, and leadership.
But not every expert is sold on him as a complete product – including Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, who recently voiced concerns about Sanders’ comfort level in the pocket during key moments last season.
“I will agree that Shedeur may throw the best ball. And what I mean by that is the most catchable, the most accurate ball of all of these guys,” Warner said on The Joel Klatt Show.
“I love that he can place the ball … He’s got great touch. I think he throws a really good deep ball. All of those things.”
While Warner was quick to highlight Sanders’ arm talent, ball placement, and touch, he also expressed significant concern about the quarterback’s ability to operate under pressure late in the 2024 season.
“With that being said, I felt in the last four games that Shedeur was very uneasy in the pocket,” Warner continued. “Very seldom did I see him strong in the pocket and get back and set and read and deliver the ball. It was almost like he was always uneasy back there.”
Sanders took his fair share of hits behind a struggling Colorado offensive line, and Warner believes that constant pressure may have impacted the young QB’s mechanics and decision-making.
“I’m just uneasy because I’ve gotten hit so much. But that was the thing that concerned me was that I felt like he very seldom went through the process,” Warner added.
“I just want to see him more solid in the pocket and the ability to process quickly so he doesn’t have to get uneasy after first look and go create a throw. To stay in there, see it, understand it, and get the ball out a little bit more on time than I saw.”
Despite those concerns, Sanders still put up strong numbers in 2024, thriving even with a below-average offensive line and minimal support from the run game.
His ability to stay composed and make winning plays under pressure became a hallmark of Colorado’s success under head coach Deion Sanders.
And while questions remain about how quickly Sanders will adjust to NFL-level pass rushes, Warner’s critique may ultimately underscore a hidden benefit: Sanders has already been tested under duress – something most rookie quarterbacks experience only after arriving in the pros.
With expectations of being selected somewhere in the top three to seven picks, Sanders will likely walk into a similar situation – rebuilding teams with shaky offensive lines and limited weaponry.
That could actually make his college experience more of a preparation than a red flag.
Having said that, Sanders’ stock has taken a bit of a hit over the past few weeks. Some teams reportedly have concerns about his attitude and ability to lead a team of men.
What are your thoughts on Warner’s comments? … At the end of the day, how do YOU think Sanders will translate to the NFL-level???
