As Shedeur Sanders prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, analysts are carefully evaluating his strengths and weaknesses.
One of the most notable voices in this discussion is NFL analyst Greg Cosell, who has pointed out key areas in Sanders‘ game that need improvement before he can succeed at the professional level.
During an appearance on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Cosell highlighted one of Sanders’ biggest issues – his pocket awareness. According to the analyst, the Colorado quarterback needs to refine his ability to sense pressure and move effectively within the pocket.
“He’s got to clean up some stuff in the pocket. He doesn’t have very good pocket awareness. He has a tendency to hold the ball with one hand,” Cosell stated.
Beyond this, another concern is Sanders‘ habit of retreating backward instead of stepping up in the pocket.
While this strategy may have worked in college, it will not be as effective in the NFL, where defenders are faster and offensive linemen expect their quarterback to work within the designed protection schemes.
Quarterbacks who drift backward often put themselves in vulnerable positions, leading to unnecessary sacks and lost yardage.
For Sanders, mastering pocket presence will be essential as he transitions to the NFL. His ability to process defensive movements, step into throws, and make quick decisions will determine how well he adapts at the next level.
Can Shedeur Sanders Thrive in the Right System?
Despite these concerns, Cosell remains optimistic that Sanders can be successful-if placed in the right system.
The analyst sees Sanders as a quarterback who can efficiently distribute the football and run an offense well. However, he suggests that Sanders may be more of a game manager rather than a transformational player.
For Sanders to maximize his potential, he will need a solid offensive line and a strong running game that takes some of the pressure off him.
If he lands in a system with a structured approach to offensive play-calling, his accuracy and decision-making could make him a productive starter.
While Cosell remains cautious about Sanders’ NFL readiness, former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees has a different perspective.
Brees, who faced his own set of doubts early in his career due to concerns about his height and arm strength, believes that Sanders has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
“We had our eye on somebody because that was maybe a need, but all of a sudden, this great player is available, especially at the quarterback position,” Brees stated.
“I think everyone recognizes you have to have a top-flight quarterback in order to have a chance to really win and make a run at it.”
The Path Forward for Sanders
Projecting a quarterback’s success in the NFL is never straightforward. While some highly regarded prospects struggle to adjust, others exceed expectations and carve out long, successful careers.
For Sanders, the key will be developing his awareness in the pocket, improving his mechanics under pressure, and working within a system that plays to his strengths.
With the right coaching and a supportive team environment, Sanders has the potential to refine his game and prove his critics wrong. His success will depend on his ability to adapt, improve, and embrace the challenges of playing at the highest level.
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