Is Shedeur Sanders still a first-round pick? NFL scouts are having serious doubts

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado, is facing growing skepticism about his first-round potential. Once viewed as a top prospect, his draft stock is now in jeopardy, with multiple scouts and coaches voicing concerns about his ability to succeed at the next level. Let’s dive into the critiques surrounding Sanders and what they could mean for his NFL future.


Many NFL insiders are now questioning whether Sanders has the tools to excel in the NFL. According to Albert Breer, “I’m hearing that he isn’t a great athlete on tape, doesn’t have exceptional arm talent, and too often does things that simply won’t translate to the NFL game.” These comments reflect growing doubts about Sanders’ physicality and ability to perform under pressure in the NFL.
Breer’s remarks align with the concerns of several evaluators, who feel that Sanders' athleticism and mobility don’t compare to other top quarterback prospects. In particular, his tendency to move backward under pressure has been highlighted as a major red flag.

Another point of contention is Sanders' arm strength. Coaches and scouts have noted that while Sanders can make accurate throws, he lacks the deep-ball power that some of the top quarterbacks in this draft possess.


Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert added another layer to the discussion, comparing Sanders to two established NFL quarterbacks: CJ Stroud and Jared Goff. Benkert believes that Sanders has some similarities to Stroud and Goff but sees him as a lesser version of both. "He's like a blend of CJ Stroud and Jared Goff, but not quite as good," Benkert said. This comparison is critical, as it places Sanders in a more modest tier, highlighting that while he has potential, he may not have the same star qualities that have made Stroud and Goff successful.

To boost his draft stock, Sanders is set for a final pre-draft workout with the New York Giants in Boulder, Colorado. While the Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick, they've been linked to other top prospects, including quarterbacks. Despite the uncertainty, draft insiders like Todd McShay have suggested that Sanders could still be in the mix for the Giants' pick at No. 3, depending on their evaluations in the coming weeks.

Shedeur Sanders’ position in the 2025 NFL Draft remains fluid. While some scouts and coaches have serious reservations about his athleticism, arm strength, and decision-making, others still see potential. Sanders’ future will depend on how he performs in the coming weeks whether he can prove his doubters wrong in his final pre-draft workouts or whether his stock will continue to slide.
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