Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stocks Sink to a New Low as Colorado QB’s NFL Combine Call Turns Heads

Ain’t no sugarcoating this—Shedeur Sanders is in a bit of a free fall. Just a few months ago, folks had his name floating around top-10 conversations, maybe even higher. Now? Let’s just say the draft stock ain’t exactly soaring. NFL execs are raising eyebrows, and scouts are throwing out some wild comparisons. But what’s really got heads turning? Sanders’ latest move ahead of the NFL Combine, a decision that’s got the league talking—and not in the way Deion Sanders would probably like.

Ain’t no doubt Shedeur’s got the stats to back him up—the Colorado flamethrower led the nation in completion percentage (74%), slung 4,134 yards, and stacked 37 tuddies in his last college season. But somehow, that’s reportedly not enough to keep him locked in as a sure-fire top pick, which was further discussed on the NFL on ESPN podcast on February 19.

The media platform’s NFL insider, Field Yates, first dove into a conversation comparing the Miami Hurricanes quarterback and Sanders. “I try to stop short of saying, ‘Hey, Cam Ward is in everybody’s eyes. A better prospect than Shedeur Sanders’. But most of the conversations that I have had—and this is not even close to the entire NFL right—I mean, there’s just no way you’d ever talk to everybody who works in scouting…The vast majority of those people who have studied both players credibly…lean toward Cam Ward for Shedeur Sanders and the analysis…Cam Ward [is] the better innovator, who has more magic to him, second-reaction plays.”

“Shedeur Sanders [is] the better, more refined pocket passer, that if you give time and space, can really carve up the defense,” he further added.

To this, the NFL Rookie and ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr., responded that many opine how Shedeur isn’t “the type of QB” NFL teams are craving right now. “After I had those conversations, I went back and did a little more checking. What somebody said is, ‘Well…Shedeur is not what really we are looking for. The NFL is not really looking for that kind of quarterback.”

Kiper Jr seems hardly convinced though. “That caused a little pause for me. ‘Okay what are you saying? Do you have to be a run-around guy?’ Which is great. Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, are great to have a guy who can run around and create. That is great, but are we saying we cannot win or we are not interested in a pocket passer? That they are not traditional?

“Now traditional is going to be the run-around guy. Let us call it an old-school pocket passer. Well, you think Joe Burrow would be considered old school? My point here is that I do not buy into the fact that Shedeur Sanders is not an exciting prospect because he is not going to beat you with his legs necessarily. Yet I think on third down, you are in man coverage, he can beat you.”

“Does not mean Shedeur is going to be great, does not mean Shedeur is going to be a successful quarterback, does not mean anything. But it just means we cannot write off the old school traditional pocket passer.” Despite Kiper’s spectacular defense, NOT a good look is all we can say right now.

One scout sees flashes of Tom Brady in Sanders’ game. Another? Calls him a ‘larger framed’ Teddy Bridgewater. Love Teddy, but Brady to Teddy comp-range is diabolical. That’s the type of split decision that makes front offices hesitant. Some believe he’s got that smooth-pocket presence and elite accuracy, while others are questioning his decision-making under pressure. But what’s really throwing off his draft stock? It ain’t just the mechanics—it’s the whispers about his priorities.

Some teams reportedly got “concerns” about Sanders’ character and whether he’s fully locked in on football. The issue initially stemmed him not participating in the Shrine Bowl. While many reported that the absence was owing to the quarterback’s future team, the Cleveland Browns, asking him not to participate, some took it as a lack of professionalism. Now, add that to the latest development, and it seems like the former Colorado Buffaloes’ quarterback has ended up in hot water again…

Just when the NFL Combine was supposed to be his time to shine, Sanders pulled a move that only cranked up those doubts even more.

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Combine decision ain’t helping the case

Instead of stepping up and showing off his arm in front of NFL scouts, Sanders has decided to sit out the throwing drills at the Combine. He’ll still take part in interviews, but when it comes to showcasing that live-action talent? Teams are gonna have to wait until Colorado’s pro day. That ain’t an uncommon move—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye did the same last year. But here’s the thing: Sanders already skipped the East-West Shrine Bowl in January, too. That’s two missed chances to put his skills on display before the draft. NFL teams ain’t the most patient bunch. And missing out on both events has got executives wondering—does he not want the smoke?

Ian Rapoport took it to X. “Colorado QB and potential top pick Shedeur Sanders plans to focus on team interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, allowing them to get to know him better as a person.” And justified with, “he’ll let his four years of film speak for itself and will showcase his throwing at his Pro Day alongside four draftable CU wide receivers.”

Now, skipping the combine ain’t a death sentence—top QBs do it all the time. But when you’re already fighting off skepticism, it’s a risky play. The Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 2 pick, have been eyeing Sanders closely, even scheduling a top-30 visit with him before the draft. But here’s the kicker—without live combine reps, teams like the Browns won’t see him throw until much later in the process. That gives guys like Miami’s Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart a chance to shine while Shedeur watches from the sidelines.

Look, Shedeur Sanders ain’t out of the running. He’s still one of the most polished passers in this draft. And come pro day, he’ll have a shot to remind everyone why his name was once in the top-5 talks. But for now? His draft stock is slipping mad, and skipping these key events ain’t exactly helping.

The NFL is all about proving yourself when the spotlight’s on. And right now, Sanders is giving teams more questions than answers. One thing’s for sure—his pro day better be flawless. Because that’s his last chance to silence the critics before draft night. And if he doesn’t? Well… let’s just say that the “QB2 in the 2025 draft” label might start looking more like QB3 or QB4 real quick.