Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Determination Shines Amid Carson Beck’s Threat to Coach Prime’s Aspirations

A social media feud has recently erupted around Shedeur Sanders, with critics questioning his draft potential. Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes head coach, and Shedeur’s fiercely protective father lashed out at critics, declaring, “He will be a top 5 pick. Where yo son going?”  For months, Deion has hyped Shedeur’s draft prospects, even suggesting a potential “Eli Manning” situation where both he and star player Travis Hunter might refuse to play for certain teams. However, early 2025 NFL mock drafts have shaken Deion’s confidence.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck surprisingly emerged as the top QB prospect in several analyses.  While this doesn’t eliminate Shedeur from contention, it certainly dents the Sanders and Co’s draft aspirations. However, despite the setback, Shedeur remains focused, shining in a casual ball throw practice to reclaim his draft dreams.

Shedeur Sanders answers critics with a practice video

Shedeur Sanders exuded confidence early in the 2024 draft season, boldly proclaiming, “I’m biased, but I don’t see a quarterback better than me.” However, several analysts challenged that belief by placing Carson Beck ahead of him in their mock drafts. Yet, amidst this setback, Shedeur’s determination shines through. A recent practice video of him throwing went viral, with NFL Rookie Watch even boldly claiming, “Shedeur Sanders looking like Patrick Mahomes out there. The Big 12 has NEVER seen a QB of this caliber before.” 

Shedeur also proved himself by completing 10 of  14 passes in the Buffs spring game highlighting his continued development as a passer. Despite these efforts, it seems Shedeur and Deion, might have slightly overestimated the draft stock heading into the 2024 season.

Can Shedeur defy the draft doubters?

Early 2025 NFL mock drafts delivered a reality check to the Sanders clan’s draft dreams. It all started when ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranked Georgia’s Carson Beck as the top quarterback prospect, pushing Shedeur to 5th place.  PFF analyst echoed the same sentiment, placing Beck at 5 and Shedeur at 9. However, a glimmer of hope radiated for Buffs as Ruben Teixeria of CBT ranked Beck 2nd, with Travis Hunter 3rd and Shedeur close behind at 4th.  For now, most analysts don’t see Shedeur as a surefire top-5 pick, challenging Coach Prime’s ambitious predictions.

However, Shedeur Sanders has the potential to shake things up. Carson Beck boasts a slightly higher completion rate (72.4%) and more passing yards (nearly 4,000) from last season.  But Shedeur’s stats (around 70% completion, 3,230 yards) and his proven “Patrick Mahomes” style throws suggest he can close the gap and defy early draft assumptions. Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below.