Shedeur Sanders faced heavy heat all season, even while posting historic numbers. Critics didn’t hold back, calling his confidence arrogance. Still, he led Colorado with poise, throwing darts and shattering records. But as draft night arrived, expectations met silence. Many believed he’d go early. Instead, the first round passed, and Sanders remained unpicked. “We all didn’t expect this, of course,” he admitted, standing beside family and friends. Still, his message stayed clear: he’s fueled now, more than ever.

His father, Deion Sanders, believed without question that Shedeur was a first-rounder. “We’ve already won… Shedeur’s getting drafted… He’s going in the first round,” he declared. For Deion, this was more than football—it was about legacy and proving doubters wrong. He reminded people of the weight that comes with their name. “When that last name is on your back,” he said, “you’re going to be attacked.” But Deion stood firm. His confidence in Shedeur never wavered. But unfortunately, his predictions didn’t come true.

It shocked many to see Sanders’ name untouched after round one. Teams passed despite his 71.8% completion rate. But to Jeff Teague, this wasn’t all that surprising. “They need dual threats,” he said on the Club 520 Podcast. “If you look at Lamar, Josh Allen, Pat Mahomes, all these dudes can move.” He explained how the NFL now demands mobility: quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. Sanders, in his view, is talented but not mobile. That gap, Teague hinted, was what held him back most.

Teague noted, “Shadur is not athletic at all.” DJ Wells chimed in, agreeing that movement is key now.  Despite their critique, they all agreed Sanders had first-round talent. “He did enough,” B Hen said, defending Sanders’ numbers. Still, teams likely saw more risk than reward without that extra mobility.

Interestingly, Teague doesn’t think this slip is bad for Sanders. In fact, he said it might humble him. “I ain’t even get picked in the first round. I was a second-round pick,” he added. Being picked later could relieve some of that pressure. It’s now about proving people wrong without a target on his back. If Sanders succeeds, said Teague, “now people look dumb.” According to Teague, “now he come out here and perform well and becomes a star quarterback. He got a story to tell.” That chip on his shoulder? It might just be the edge he needs.

What Dwyane Wade had to say about Shedeur Sanders amid the draft chaos

Growing up in the shadow of a legend brings pressures that never fully fade. Just ask Bronny James. Now, the NFL has its version of that microscope, and Shedeur Sanders is front and center. A few days ago, he was still in the conversation for a top-three selection. Today, he found himself losing the race.

While Jeff Teague pointed to athleticism as a possible reason for the slip, NBA icon Dwyane Wade offered another view. On The Timeout, Wade pushed back on the narrative that Shedeur’s confidence was a red flag. He argued it only feels arrogant because Shedeur carries the Sanders name. “If you don’t want your organization to be changed around, don’t draft me,” Wade said, summing up the kind of energy Shedeur once exuded. So did he really get what he wished for?

NFL insider Albert Breer noted that Shedeur had toned things down in recent weeks, leaning on maturity and film over flash. Wade seemed to co-sign this new chapter, emphasizing that Shedeur wins, learns, and performs under pressure. “The cream is going to rise,” he said, showing faith in the quarterback’s future, even if Round 1 didn’t go his way.

Despite being one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects, Shedeur’s path has gotten murky. The Giants once showed interest at No. 3, but their silence looms large. Outside of fringe teams like the Saints or Steelers, quarterback demand has cooled. It’s no longer about pedigree. It’s about fit, leadership, and adaptability. And for now, Sanders waits, more grounded, more focused, and still ready to change a franchise when his name is finally called.