The NFL Draft is always a fascinating time when teams look to address key positions and set themselves up for future success. This year, as teams like the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints find themselves in need of a quarterback, the spotlight has turned towards the 2025 draft class. And right there in the center of attention is Shedeur Sanders.
Regarded as perhaps the standout quarterback of this class, Sanders has captured the imagination of scouts and fans alike. But as we delve deeper, it’s evident that he may not be poised for the first-round pick status many might expect. It’s the kind of draft class where the top 10 picks are reserved for franchise-changing talents, and Sanders, despite his impressive pedigree, might not fit the bill just yet.
Let’s break it down: Shedeur Sanders, son of the iconic Deion Sanders, has certainly earned the attention. His season statistics — 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns — illustrate his capacity to produce results even when playing behind an offensive line that could be generously described as underwhelming. However, despite these numbers, certain flaws suggest he isn’t quite ready for a top-tier selection.
One critical area of concern is his propensity to hold on to the ball too long, leading to a pressure-to-sack rate of 20.9% over four seasons. This statistic highlights a hesitancy to either make rapid decisions or utilize his legs to dodge pressure, something imperative for survival and success in the NFL pocket. Although we’ve seen flashes of his ability to scramble and throw on the move, these moments are sporadic, hinting at his inconsistent pocket presence.
Another point to consider is his overall athleticism. While Sanders can shine when given a clean pocket, chaos often sees his accuracy dip, and his composure can falter. With some of these top NFL teams sporting less-than-stellar offensive lines, Sanders might face challenges that exacerbate these weaknesses.
Thus, for teams picking early, while Sanders presents an intriguing talent, the immediate uplift he could provide doesn’t align with what teams typically expect from a first-round quarterback. Ultimately, these teams might do well to address other pressing needs in the early rounds, letting Sanders develop more fully until he finds the right fit and situation to unleash his potential.
