“I play every game like it’s my last, leaving nothing on the field.” — Shedeur Sanders. But as the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the Colorado QB’s once-bright spotlight is dimming faster than a halftime show in a blackout. Once hyped as a potential top-10 pick, Sanders is now tumbling down mock drafts like a fumbled snap.

Landing at No. 26 to the Los Angeles Rams in CBS Sports’ latest projection.  And the disrespect? Let’s just say Tim Hasselbeck—yes, that Hasselbeck—just compared him to Kirk Cousins and Andy Dalton. Ouch. The Disrespect Is Real… But Is It Fair? Former NFL QB turned analyst Tim Hasselbeck didn’t hold back: “Yeah, I think I agree with everything Sam said in terms of the strengths of Sanders. He is smart. He knows how to play the position.”

Hasselbeck doubled down, making it clear why teams aren’t sold on Sanders as an elite talent: “I think where it gets really tricky is, like, you’re talking about rarefied air when you’re talking about drafting a guy at the top of the draft. And, look, he just is not as physically talented as you would like to see.” Translation? Shedeur’s got the IQ of a Peyton Manning film session but the arm strength of a dad at a backyard BBQ.

That’s a tough pill to swallow for a kid whose dad literally redefined athleticism. Even Hasselbeck himself seemed to acknowledge the irony: “I mean, it sounds crazy considering he’s Deion Sanders’ son, but, like, that’s just the case.”And then came the comp that hit harder than a blindside blitz:

“And so, look, my comp on Sanders has kind of been in that, like, Andy Dalton range. People have compared him to Kirk Cousins. Look, those are compliments. Both of those guys have thrown for over, you know, 250 touchdowns through their NFL career. Both of those guys have led teams to the playoffs.” Tell that to a kid who grew up watching his father turn 40-yard dashes into art and trash talk into gospel.

But let’s keep it a buck—Shedeur’s stats ain’t scraping no barrel bottoms. At Colorado, he slung 4,134 yards and 37 TDs in 2024, breaking records like they were freshman DBs. Yet, NFL scouts are side-eyeing his “elite traits” like he’s a TikTok dancer at a combine. Hasselbeck didn’t sugarcoat it either: “But, you know, when you’re talking about the top half of round one, look. Again, you’re looking for elite traits, and he just doesn’t have those.”

It’s like ‘Clear Eyes, Full Hearts’ got swapped for ‘Murky Projections, Halfhearted Hype.’ Meanwhile, Deion Sanders, the OG Primetime, is playing it cooler than a Lambeau Field bleacher seat in December: “I want Shedeur to excel against all odds.” Classic Coach Prime—equal parts swagger and sage.

Here’s the tea: The 2025 QB class is messier than a tailgate porta-potty. With Cam Ward (Miami) and Jalen Milroe (Alabama) hogging the spotlight, Shedeur’s become collateral damage. The Pittsburgh Steelers? Sniffing around Milroe at No. 21. The Las Vegas Raiders? Content to let Geno Smith cook while eyeing Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty. Even the New York Giants—post-Russell Wilson glow-up—are out. It’s like Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding for QBs, and Shedeur’s stuck holding the wrong end of the sword.

And let’s not forget the financial chess game at play. As Hasselbeck pointed out: “Now look. You’re gonna have to beat the market at quarterback, so you’re gonna have to draft a rookie quarterback at some point because of what’s happened with the Deshaun Watson deal.”

In other words, teams aren’t just looking for talent—they’re looking for value. And right now, Shedeur might not be the best bet in the top half of the draft.

But let’s not front—this ain’t just about arm talent. The kid’s been dragging Colorado from the cellar to the spotlight since 2023, pulling off Hail Marys that’d make Aaron Rodgers blush (shoutout to that 44-yard OT dagger against Baylor). Yet, NFL GMs are treating him like the last slice of pizza at a draft party—interested, but not that interested. Maybe they’ve forgotten: This is Deion’s son.

Sanders’s redemption arc? Rams at No. 26

If Shedeur slips to Los Angeles, it’s a plot twist even The League’s Andre would stan. Picture it: Sean McVay scheming magic for a QB who’s already mastered the two-minute drill in college. Shedeur in horns? It’s got potential—like a rookie WR returning punts. Plus, the Rams’ “we’ll fix anyone” rep (looking at you, Baker Mayfield) could turn this slide into a steal.

But let’s keep it poetic. Every underdog story needs a fourth-quarter rally. Shedeur’s résumé—9-4 at Colorado, a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award—reads like a highlight reel. And remember: Tom Brady was pick No. 199. As Shedeur himself says:

“I’m the most guaranteed risk you take.” So, NFL GMs, y’all better grab a clipboard and take notes. The kid’s got receipts—and maybe a chip the size of Lombardi Trophy on his shoulder.

In the end, whether he’s Dalton 2.0 or the next Brock Purdy-esque phenom, one thing’s clear: Shedeur Sanders isn’t here to ride coattails. He’s here to rewrite the script. And if history’s taught us anything? Never bet against a Sanders with something to prove.