The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and teams are already scouting the top prospects. While every draft has its strengths and weaknesses, this year’s quarterback class is raising some eyebrows. One name that’s been generating a lot of buzz is Shedeur Sanders, son of the legendary Deion Sanders. But here’s the thing: despite all the hype, I don’t see him being a first-round pick.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Sanders has put up some impressive numbers at Colorado. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns this season! But to be a top-10 pick, you need to be a franchise-changing quarterback, and Sanders just isn’t there yet.
He’s got some flaws that can’t be ignored. He tends to hold onto the ball too long, which has resulted in a high sack rate throughout his college career. He also struggles to feel pressure in the pocket and doesn’t consistently use his legs to escape. And while he can make plays with his feet, it’s not a consistent part of his game.
Look, I get the hype. He’s got the pedigree, and he’s put up big numbers. But playing behind a weak offensive line at Colorado has masked some of his weaknesses. When he doesn’t have a clean pocket, his accuracy drops, and he starts to panic.
For teams like the Giants, Raiders, Titans, Jets, and Saints, who all have needs at quarterback and offensive line issues, drafting Sanders in the first round would be a risky move. He’s not the kind of quarterback who can elevate a team right away.
Instead, these teams should focus on addressing other needs in the first round. They can find quarterbacks later in the draft who might be a better fit for their situation. Sanders has potential, but he’s not a first-round talent in this draft class. He needs time to develop and refine his game before he’s ready to lead an NFL franchise.