As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft continues, the conversation around Shedeur Sanders has shifted dramatically.
Once viewed as a potential top-five pick, the Colorado quarterback – and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – now faces increasing scrutiny from NFL scouts and analysts.
Sanders‘ future in the NFL remains promising, but his draft projection has taken a significant hit in recent weeks.
The latest blow came from ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, who placed Sanders 25th on his final draft board – a steep fall from his once-lofty position.
Miller explained that while Sanders is a polished and accurate passer, there are critical flaws in his game that NFL teams will need to address.
“Sanders has some bad habits he needs to clean up, such as throwing late over the middle and holding the football for too long,” Miller wrote in his draft analysis.
The numbers support those concerns. Last season, Sanders led the FBS with a 74% completion rate and finished second in touchdown passes (37).
His accuracy and poise in the pocket are undeniable strengths – his 6.5% off-target throw rate ranked third-lowest in the nation. But his tendency to hold onto the ball has proven costly.
Sanders took an average of 2.96 seconds to release the ball – ranking 110th in the FBS – and was the most-sacked quarterback in the country for the second consecutive season, going down 42 times.
Despite the criticism, there’s no denying Sanders’ talent when given time to throw. His connection with Travis Hunter, who caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards last season, demonstrated Sanders’ ability to allow receivers to thrive with yards after the catch.
Could the Saints Take a Risk on Sanders?
One team consistently linked with Sanders is the New Orleans Saints, who hold the No. 9 overall pick. With Derek Carr‘s future uncertain following a shoulder injury, the Saints could look to draft their next franchise quarterback.
However, NFL analyst Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report has cautioned against the fit between Sanders and new Saints head coach Kellen Moore.
“In two of the past three seasons while serving as the offensive coordinator between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, Moore’s QBs ranked among the league’s top 10 in average air yards per attempt,” Sobleski wrote.
Sanders‘ lack of mobility could be a concern in Moore’s offensive scheme, which has often relied on quarterbacks capable of extending plays with their legs.
Unlike Jalen Hurts, who ran for 19 touchdowns during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, Sanders had negative rushing yards during his two seasons at Colorado.
Still, in a quarterback class without a clear consensus beyond the top picks, Sanders’ ability as a pure passer may convince a team like the Saints to take a chance.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin in just 10 days in Green Bay, and the uncertainty surrounding Shedeur Sanders‘ landing spot is one of the event’s most intriguing storylines.
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