In the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, few prospects have been more dissected or more polarizing than Shedeur Sanders. A two-year starter under his father at Colorado, Sanders led the country in completion rate (74%) with 4,134 passing yards and the second-most passing touchdowns (37) as a senior in 2024. His tape shows advanced pocket poise, elite touch, and rare toughness. But he’s carried more than just on-field scrutiny. His last name, the bravado of Colorado’s program, and a national spotlight that never dims have made Sanders less of a prospect and more of a referendum. That tension reached a flashpoint this week.

In a move that felt more like a takedown than a scouting note, an unnamed NFL assistant coach was not very mellow towards Shedeur in a comment. From body language to decision-making, the coach didn’t hold back. According to reports, the coach said, “The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.”But while the league tends to brush off anonymous shade during draft week, this time, a major voice wasn’t having it.

TV host and NFL reporter Kyle Brandt came out swinging. In a reel posted to Instagram, Brandt reacted to the brutal critique with a fiery takedown of his own. His message? “I’m triggered as hell.” He didn’t stop there. “Shut up, anonymous coach. This is not only anonymous, but I think it’s tasteless. The timing is ridiculous.” Brandt then delivered the mic-drop line: “Maybe that’s why you’re anonymous—and not a head coach.” His frustration wasn’t just about the message—it was about how damaging anonymous shots can be to a young player’s career.

So why are these anonymous shots surfacing now? It’s draft season. Tensions are high, and every team is playing chess. It’s not unheard of for scouts or coaches to anonymously throw shade to manipulate draft boards, lowering a player’s stock so their team has a better shot at picking him up. But when the criticism feels more personal than tactical, like in Shedeur’s case, it raises eyebrows. Sanders’ career has been anything but quiet. 

With flashes of brilliance and undeniable poise under pressure, he’s proven he can sling it. But critics aren’t entirely sold. Some question his consistency, particularly when it comes to taking sacks and holding onto the ball too long. That makes him polarizing: is he a poised leader still developing, or a QB with fatal flaws masked by hype? The divide isn’t just about stats—it’s about how people perceive his confidence, which some read as composure and others call arrogance. Alright, now putting his stats aside—let’s get into how people are actually reacting to all this.

Is this evaluation or sabotage? Fans are divided on Sanders’ hate

The reel ignited reactions across the board. Some fans sided with the coach, saying, “I kinda believe the anonymous coach. Sanders just gives off bad vibes.” Others questioned the motive behind it: “Could also be a team down the board trying to talk down his draft stock to try to pick him up.” A large portion of commenters, though, stood up for Sanders: “Not a fan of his game, but saying stuff anonymously is cowardly and not fair to the players”.

Social media, for better or worse, amplifies everything. A comment buried in a scouting report can now go viral and define a narrative in minutes. For someone like Shedeur, whose every move already draws massive attention, these anonymous critiques don’t just sting—they could shift his entire draft trajectory.

Despite the controversy, Shedeur’s draft stock remains a hot topic. Reports suggest that teams like the New York Giants are divided on selecting him with their third overall pick. General Manager Joe Schoen and some personnel members are advocating for Sanders, while head coach Brian Daboll and his staff remain opposed. This internal debate highlights the uncertainty surrounding Sanders’ transition to the NFL. ​Adding to the intrigue, Shedeur Sanders has expressed confidence in his abilities and readiness to adapt to any NFL franchise that selects him, reinforcing the belief that he is the top quarterback available.

And here’s the thing: Brandt and others are calling out not just one coach, but a trend. Every draft cycle, we see anonymous voices trying to shape narratives in the shadows. Sometimes it’s an honest analysis. Other times, it’s strategic—maybe even personal.