The quarterback class of the 2025 NFL Draft is not regarded as among the stronger classes in recent memory. However, quarterback-needy teams find themselves at the top of the draft order — and even if Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders don’t develop into superstars, teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Raiders will afford them opportunities to do so.
However, warning signs are beginning to emerge for Sanders, right as Miami quarterback Ward‘s stock rises to the point where he is being seriously discussed as the #1 overall pick. Sanders, who broke school passing records over two seasons at the University of Colorado, has not taken part in passing drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis…and speculation is running rampant that the 23-year-old may not be the saving grace a desperate franchise hopes he will be.
Sanders lacks elite traits
According to longtime NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller, Sanders compares quite unfavorably to first-round quarterbacks from the past five NFL drafts. Miller grades Sanders 20th out of these 21 quarterbacks — ahead of only Kenny Pickett, who was the backup quarterback for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.
“Without the elite size, arm strength or mobility of previous top prospects, Sanders relies on his toughness and accuracy,” Miller wrote. “Sanders’ grade (86) would place him in the early-Round 2 portion of the draft. But given the lack of quarterback talent this year and team needs, he will likely be a top-10 pick.”
Sanders’ swagger and resilience were key reasons why Colorado more than doubled its win total between 2023 and 2024. The son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur has inherited his father’s innate confidence — which some believe borders on hubris, if not arrogance — and his decision not to throw at the Combine was well-thought out; Sanders did put more than 900 passing attempts on tape over the past two seasons in the NCAA.
Still, franchises are leery of a potential star quarterback refusing to play ball at the combine. Though Sanders’ leadership and arm strength are great tools to build around, it might take a savvy organization to make these pre-draft concerns disappear.
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