NFL Teams Should Avoid Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders may be one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football, but that doesn’t mean NFL teams should rush to draft him. While his stats at Colorado look impressive on paper, concerns are growing around his decision-making, leadership style, and off-the-field distractions. Add in the looming presence of his father, Deion Sanders, and teams may be inheriting more drama than production. With so many talented quarterback prospects entering the league, passing on Shedeur may be the smarter move.

Deion Sanders Could Be a Distraction

Drafting Shedeur Sanders means bringing Deion into the picture, whether teams want to or not. As his father, coach, and public hype man, Deion has a strong influence on Shedeur’s brand and future. While his charisma works in college, it could be a headache for an NFL front office. Deion has already shown he’s not shy about calling out critics or questioning decisions. NFL teams value stability, and few will want a parent openly voicing opinions on media platforms or social media during the season.

This type of attention could create friction between Shedeur, the coaching staff, and teammates. If a young quarterback struggles, the last thing a team needs is drama from the outside. 

On-Field Concerns Remain 

While Shedeur has talent, he still has a lot to prove. At Colorado, he often held onto the ball too long, took unnecessary sacks, and struggled under pressure. His offensive line wasn’t great, but his pocket awareness and decision-making also raised red flags. In the NFL, quarterbacks must process quickly and avoid hits. Right now, Shedeur hasn’t consistently shown that ability against top-tier defenses.

He also rarely takes snaps under center and hasn’t run a pro-style offense. His game leans heavily on timing throws and quick reads, which won’t always be available in the NFL. Without elite athleticism or arm strength, Shedeur lacks the traits that separate good prospects from franchise cornerstones.

Character and Leadership Questions

Shedeur has faced criticism for flashing watches during games and leaning into a flashy image that some see as arrogant. While confidence is expected at the quarterback position, maturity and humility are also key. NFL front offices will question whether Shedeur’s focus is more on branding than leadership. He’s clearly marketable, but being the face of a franchise takes more than social media clips.

With NIL money, celebrity status, and a high-profile father, Shedeur walks into any locker room with attention. Some players embrace that. Others may resent it. For a young QB, that dynamic can divide a team rather than unify it.