The NFL Draft is where fantasy and reality meet, where a player’s name embroidered on a jersey is more than just talent, it’s history. But what if that tradition is beset by a first? Here comes Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion “Prime Time” Sanders. With a resume that boasts career-high performances for Colorado and a name that has football legends talking about him, Shedeur’s way to the pros seems certain. Or does it?

“Don’t just be good; be great. Be in control of your destiny,” That’s what Deion once told Shedeur, and he has passed it on to his craft. But amid the NFL draft, Deion is more than just a proud father: he’s an arbitrator. According to reports, Deion will fight to keep Shedeur away from teams with poor managers or a history of losing. That is, if you’re the Cleveland Browns, don’t expect much. The trouble is, though: Will this strategy backfire on Shedeur’s shot at being a top pick?

All-Out control: Deion on Shedeur’s decisions

Football royalty Deion Sanders’ CV is like a Super Bowl ring. Deion was a two-time Super Bowl winner, eight-time Pro Bowler, and Hall-of-Fame candidate who paved the way for others. From the flashy games he made with the Falcons, Cowboys, and 49ers to his brazen MLB double-sport career, “Prime Time” never let his nickname get in the way. But his impact is now far beyond his playing years, and into the draft room.

Deion’s defensive position is not unexpected. He’s an NFL vet, which is to say: no one understands the competitive nature of the NFL like he does. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how will somebody else believe in you?”. Deion had this line about control, and it makes us think of confidence. The reason he doesn’t want Shedeur to be a part of a team such as the Browns is because they have an unstable past — with busts and terrible coaches.

But what about Shedeur? The Browns offense has been stuck in limbo, scoring 15.2 points per game — dead last among 32 teams. In the words of cornerback Denzel Ward: they got to “solidify that quarterback position.” We all understand the whole scene with Deshaun Watson. His injury hasn’t helped the franchise. On top of that, the off-field issues since signing for the Browns has only increased the burden. Given his contract, it is understandable that the Browns are looking for answers in a rookie contract.

While Cleveland has the #2 pick, Deion’s snub could send his son down even further to #9 with teams like the Saints. This decline hurts Shedeur’s worth but also his bottom line in a league where draft rank dictates rookie deals. And let’s be real, being a second-round pick is “really, really cool,” in the words of the NFL analyst Marcus Mosher. Especially with their current quarterback situation in flux, it would be the saving grace for their offense and their bottom-feeding abysmal 3-14 record.

There is the elephant in the room: Deion Sanders’ NFL coach aspirations. Accusations that he’s connected to the Cowboys and Raiders mean Deion’s influence is not confined to Shedeur’s draft cycle. Will Deion’s potential return to the NFL sideline influence his son’s career? or will the son’s talent shine?

Shedeur’s Stats: The next star QB?

Shedeur Sanders’ two seasons in 2023 and 2024 have proven that he is an elite QB. His numbers are mind-blowing – especially the gain in yards, scores, and completion percentage between 2023 and 2024. He has 4,134 yards passing and 37 touchdowns through 2024, he has proven to be the leader and performer that you’re looking for in the NFL Draft. His durability and progression through the years show that he can thrive in a move to the NFL.s

Shedeur completed 74% of his passes in his final season at Colorado Buffs, and he’s not riding dad’s coattails. He is a perfect man, and with his confidence, accuracy, and football IQ, he’s ranked among the greats such as Cam Ward by analysts. But the NFL isn’t talent, it’s fit, and therein lies the rub. His dad, on the other hand, was the SUPERSTAR.

The challenge: can Shedeur find his place in a competition where his father’s shadow hangs huge? It’s all enmeshed, all the plays on the line, and all of it pretty much Prime Time. In the end, Shedeur Sanders is destined to be awesome. But with the draft around the corner, one thing’s for sure: the NFL is not about numbers — it’s about a legacy, expectations, and fitting in. No matter if he ends up at #2 with the Browns or teeters on to the Saints, Shedeur’s experience will not be like every other one. And, in true Sanders style, the world will be watching.