Without a doubt, quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be one of the top names to look out for in coming year or so before the 2025 NFL Draft. The thing is, the Colorado Buffaloes star has a chance to become the first pick down the line.
Sanders made a name for himself while playing for Jackson State University over the past two seasons. After enrolling in January 2021, he was ineligible to play during the team’s abbreviated spring season due to COVID-19.
However, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders seized his opportunity in 2021, passing for 3,231 yards with 30 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions. His standout performance earned him the SWAC Freshman of the Year award and the prestigious Jerry Rice Award, becoming the first player from a historically black college or university to win the honor.
The quarterback continued to impress in his sophomore year, completing 70.6% of his passes for 3,732 yards and 40 touchdowns. He was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and received the Deacon Jones Trophy as the top HBCU player in the nation.
After a successful two-year stint at Jackson State, the Texas native entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately joined the Colorado Buffaloes. In his debut for Colorado, Sanders set a school record with 510 passing yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the team to a 45-42 victory over 17th-ranked TCU.
Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders Receives Interesting Assessment In Bid To Become 2025 NFL Draft Top Pick
Even as early as now, teams are looking into the potential certain guys have when they declare for the draft. In an article for CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso detailed why Sanders has a chance to go number one next year.
“Sanders is approaching 1,400 passes in his collegiate career, undoubtedly a plus on his draft resume. And when he’s in rhythm he’s as surgical as any passer in the class with instances of premier anticipatory skill.
But right when Sanders appears to be a wizard navigating the pocket, he takes sacks on three consecutive plays. His offensive line should be sturdier this season than it was in 2023, but the 25.1% pressure-to-sack rate is concerning.
As a runner, Sanders picks his spots wisely. And while he’s not as fast or sudden as his dad was — no one is blaming him for that — he’s silky smooth and understands sliding or getting out of bounds is typically the smart decision with the ball in his hands.
Then there’s everything that comes along with the name recognition of Sanders. Some teams will shy away from the son of “Prime Time.” But it wouldn’t be outlandish for a franchise to embrace all of it. If we see more heat on some of his longer throws, and he continues to play poised from the pocket while intermittently moving the chains with his legs, yes, Sanders will squarely be on the No. 1 pick radar,” Trapasso wrote.
As it stands, the elder Sanders has coached Shedeur through his time in Jackson State and Colorado, along with his other sons, Shilo and Hunter. Even though the Buffaloes quarterback benefitted from that arrangement, his talent on the field cannot be denied.
It remains to be seen whether Sanders can go number one next year or not. In any case, a lot of teams will be keeping their eyes on him to see how he will develop by then.
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