“Don’t just be good; be great. Be in control of your destiny,” Deion Sanders once said about his son Shedeur Sanders who is set to hit the 2025 NFL draft. While his father pushes him to be the best version of himself, does Shedeur have what it takes to be a generational talent? Well, Tom Luginbill—an ESPN college football analyst—certainly has an answer. Just two months before the 2025 NFL draft, Luginbill questioned Shedeur’s status as a top talent entering this year’s draft as he believes that barely anyone would care had ‘Sanders’ not been his surname. “I wonder sometimes if his name was Shedeur Smith… would we be having these same conversations?” Now, the debate has only grown louder as a lead NFL draft analyst has added his own take—one that could heavily influence Shedeur’s path to the pros.

In today’s era of the NFL Draft process, it chews players up and spits them out. And Shedeur is no stranger to it. The player who was once penciled in as the No. 1 pick is now watching his draft stock wobble like a bad snap. What appeared to be a certainty now appears significantly less certain. Even though Sanders still holds the cards, the league’s critics are watching closely to see if he succeeds or fails.

Well, the proof is in the pudding, and Shedeur Sanders’ stats are serving up a full-course meal. While Burrow, Lawrence (who hasn’t exactly lived up to the hype), and Caleb Williams were “can’t-miss” prospects, Shedeur is a debate. Some claim he’s riding his dad’s name, but the numbers don’t lie: a scorching 74.0% completion rate, 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 10 picks in 2024. Over-hyped? Maybe. But production like that speaks louder than any last name.

However, lead NFL draft analyst Trevor Sikkema doesn’t seem to agree with the fact, as he thinks if Shedeur Sanders enters the pro league as a starter, he might end up ruining his career. As he says, “I think that if he’s a starter in the NFL and goes to the right system, I think he’s more of a mid-tier starting quarterback at the NFL level, but he plays the game in a way that you can start him and feel good about him with a high floor. The big question is, does he have the physical gifts to really be that kind of a quarterback to take you into the playoffs and beyond?” 

Look Shedeur Sanders’ accuracy and toughness speak volumes, but in the NFL draft, grit alone doesn’t earn gold stars. His physical attributes, compared to other top prospects, raise some concerns that could make teams reluctant to use a high draft pick on him. Amidst this uncertainty, his draft stock is suffering. Mel Kiper of ESPN has moved him down to No. 4, with odds at +500, while Cam Ward remains a steady -140. The latest concern? His physicality is now a new red flag.

Moreover, Trevor Sikkema adds to it, saying, “I mean, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes—I mean, all of these—Jayden Daniels now. I mean, these are alien-type talents, and when you aren’t stacking up talent-wise at that position, it’s hard. It’s hard to compete at that level.” Clearly, their arm talent, mobility, and ability to make illogical off-platform throws are elite. In today’s NFL, a team needs that level of potential to compete for a Super Bowl.

But that doesn’t mean Shedeur Sanders is not good. He possesses accuracy, pocket presence, and sharp decision-making—qualities that could potentially make him a dependable NFL starter. In today’s NFL, where dynamic players like Mahomes and Allen excel, the question remains: does Shedeur have the physical attributes required to compete at an elite level? This uncertainty looms large. The NFL values quarterbacks who can dominate games, a mold that Shedeur doesn’t quite fit.

Then again, neither did Tom Brady, who was marked less for being slow, unathletic, and lacking arm strength. Shedeur could defy expectations. Brady’s unimpressive 40-yard dash time of 5.24 seconds led him to be the 199th pick, far from being seen as a generational talent. Fast forward to today, with seven Super Bowls under his belt, those initial doubts seem absurd. It goes to show that the right system, mindset, and relentless effort can change the narrative.

From now on, Shedeur Sanders’ journey will undoubtedly be challenging, but history proves that doubt has never hindered a great quarterback. With his talent, background, and the spotlight on him, Shedeur is clearly determined to make his mark in the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders’ clear stance on his NFL future

Well, Shedeur Sanders is not just another quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft; he is bringing his unique playbook to the process. While his father, Deion Sanders, has hinted at preferred landing spots, Shedeur has made one thing clear: “I don’t care what city, what team—whoever picks me, I’m going to be all-in.” He enters the draft as one of the most accurate passers, but there are still questions about his athletic potential compared to exceptional prospects like Cam Ward. Shedeur’s strengths lie in timing, pocket presence, and high football IQ, and he believes these skills will serve him well at the professional level.

Now, for Shedeur Sanders, the safest bet is the Raiders, who hold the No. 6 pick, and with Chip Kelly now in charge of the offense, Vegas seems like an ideal match for Shedeur’s playing style. He has acknowledged their interest by saying, “I like what they’ve got going on over there.” The Giants, who pick third, have already scheduled meetings with him, and Shedeur’s friendship with Malik Nabers only adds to the speculation. Meanwhile, the Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, are seen as a wildcard, but Deion’s silence on Cleveland has raised eyebrows.

Moreover, Tennessee currently holds the top spot and faces a significant decision. Will Levis has shown promising potential, but Shedeur’s composure and precision may position him as a better long-term investment. The Saints, Steelers, and Jets are also part of the discussion, although draft order adds complexity. Shedeur remains unfazed, emphasizing the importance of finding a team that truly believes in him, saying, “At the end of the day, it’s about who believes in me.” As he’s also not looking to land someplace that doesn’t have a plan for him.

For now, Shedeur Sanders’ draft prospects depend on whether teams value his accuracy and football intelligence more than exceptional physical abilities. Confidence is not lacking in Shedeur, as he asserts, “If you take me, you’re getting a leader. You’re getting a winner.” The next step is finding a team that shares the same vision.