Shedeur Sanders has already overcome numerous challenges to reach this point. He went from being an overlooked high school recruit to a record-breaking college quarterback
Despite skepticism about his confidence, Nick Wright and others believe that Sanders has earned the right to be self-assured.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Sanders has the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong once again. Whether he becomes a top NFL quarterback or not, his journey has already been one of the most compelling stories in football.
His future remains unwritten, but one thing is clear—Shedeur Sanders is not just here to participate; he’s here to dominate.
Nick Wright’s concerns about Shedeur Sanders are valid, but they don’t mean Sanders won’t succeed in the NFL.
While he may not be a “plug-and-play” starter, his accuracy, composure, and football IQ give him a strong foundation to build upon.
Whether the Giants, Raiders, or another team takes a chance on him, Sanders has the potential to develop into a quality NFL quarterback.
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Table of Contents
Shedeur Sanders: Rising Above Expectations in the NFL Draft Season
The NFL draft season is in full swing, and analysts are closely evaluating top prospects. Among them is Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback who has faced both scrutiny and praise.1
While some critics have labeled him as overly confident, Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright has come to his defense.
Wright believes that Sanders’ journey to the top has been anything but ordinary and that his confidence is well-earned.
In this article, we will explore Sanders’ rise from an overlooked high school recruit to an elite college quarterback, analyze the impact of his father, Deion Sanders, on his career, and examine why Nick Wright believes Sanders has already surpassed expectations.
Back from vacation and live on YouTube for today’s @WhatsWrightShow. I’ve waited quite a bit to get into this “Face of the League” stuff, and the totally irrational reaction to it from the media as a whole. We will go long on that right off the top today. https://t.co/YimICbiDVW
— nick wright (@getnickwright) March 4, 2025
The Early Years: An Underrated High School Prospect
Unlike many quarterbacks projected to be top NFL draft picks, Shedeur Sanders was not always viewed as a future star. Coming out of high school, he was a four-star recruit but was not considered a top-tier prospect.
He ranked as the 37th-best quarterback in his class, behind players like Quinn Ewers, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy.
While other highly touted quarterbacks were courted by powerhouse programs like Alabama and Ohio State, Sanders initially committed to Florida Atlantic University (FAU).
His decision reflected the lack of belief from major college programs that he could develop into an elite player.
However, everything changed when his father, Deion Sanders, took over as the head coach at Jackson State University (JSU).
Shedeur made a bold move, flipping his commitment from FAU to Jackson State, an HBCU that had never been a traditional destination for top recruits.
Shedeur Sanders: Jackson State Is A Game-Changer for him
Transferring to Jackson State was not just a personal decision for Shedeur Sanders—it was a statement.2
He wanted to prove that HBCU programs could develop NFL-level talent just as well as major Power Five schools.
At Jackson State, Sanders thrived under his father’s guidance, leading the team to an impressive 23-3 record in two seasons. His dominance at the FCS level silenced doubters, but some critics argued that his success came against weaker competition.
Despite these claims, his accurate passing, leadership skills, and poise under pressure caught the attention of scouts and analysts. He showed he could handle adversity and perform at a high level, setting the stage for his next big move.
The Colorado Leap: A Bold Move to the FBS
When Deion Sanders accepted the head coaching job at Colorado, Shedeur made another pivotal decision: he followed his father to the Buffaloes.
This move meant transitioning from the FCS to the FBS, where the level of competition would be significantly higher.
Many questioned whether Sanders could succeed in a Power Five conference, especially with Colorado coming off a 1-10 season in 2022. However, Shedeur quickly proved he belonged, leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 turnaround in two years.
His performances against top-tier teams solidified his reputation as a legitimate NFL prospect. He showcased:
- Exceptional accuracy
- Composure under pressure
- Leadership skills
- A high football IQ
Even with critics questioning his confidence and playing style, Shedeur continued to perform at a high level.
Nick Wright Defends Sanders’ Confidence
During an episode of First Things First, Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright defended Shedeur Sanders against critics who claimed he was too arrogant.3
Wright emphasized that confidence is an essential trait for a successful quarterback.
“I think the confidence is super important,” Wright said. “I don’t look at that as brash or arrogant. I look at him as, you know what I mean, a self-assured young man who has succeeded everywhere he’s gone.”
Wright pointed out that unlike many top quarterbacks, Sanders was not expected to dominate at every level. He had to prove himself time and time again, making his rise to the top even more impressive.
Shedeur Sanders vs. Other Top QB Prospects
To better understand Sanders’ journey, it’s helpful to compare him to other top quarterback prospects in his class:
| Player | Recruiting Rank | College | Draft Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | No. 1 QB | USC | No. 1 Overall Pick (2024) |
| Drake Maye | No. 4 QB | North Carolina | Top-5 Pick (2024) |
| Quinn Ewers | No. 1 QB | Texas | First-Round Pick (2025) |
| J.J. McCarthy | No. 5 QB | Michigan | First-Round Pick (2024) |
| Shedeur Sanders | No. 37 QB | Jackson State / Colorado | First-Round Projection (2025) |
While the other quarterbacks were viewed as elite from the start, Sanders had to fight for recognition. His path was different, but his performance has now placed him in the same conversation as these top prospects.
The Impact of Deion Sanders on Shedeur’s Development
It’s impossible to talk about Shedeur’s rise without acknowledging the role of his father, Deion Sanders.
Known as “Prime Time,” Deion was a legendary NFL player, and his influence has shaped Shedeur both on and off the field.
How Deion Sanders Has Helped Shedeur:
- Taught him discipline and work ethic
- Provided NFL-level coaching insights
- Helped him handle media pressure
- Created opportunities for exposure and success
Despite the advantages of having an NFL legend as a father, Shedeur has had to prove himself on his own merits. His ability to step out of his father’s shadow and carve his own path is part of what makes his journey unique.
NFL Draft Outlook: Where Does Sanders Stand?
Shedeur Sanders is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some analysts projecting him as a potential top-10 selection.
His accuracy, decision-making, and leadership make him a highly sought-after prospect.
However, there are still concerns:
- How will he perform against NFL-level defenses?
- Will his confidence be viewed as a positive or negative by teams?
- Can he succeed outside of his father’s coaching system?
If Sanders continues to perform at a high level in 2024, he could solidify himself as one of the top quarterbacks in his draft class.
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Nick Wright’s Doubts About Shedeur Sanders’ On-Field Play
Sports analyst Nick Wright recently shared his concerns about Shedeur Sanders’ performance as a quarterback, despite defending him against criticism.
While Sanders has been praised for his accuracy and decision-making, Wright is skeptical about how his skills will translate to the NFL.
Nick Wright has been vocal about Sanders’ potential, but he is not completely sold on the Colorado quarterback as a high first-round pick. Speaking about Sanders, he stated:
“I don’t love the tape as much as other people do. I just don’t know if he is a plug-and-play instant impact player. My concerns with him are all football-related.”
This comment highlights Wright’s belief that, while Sanders has talent, he may not be ready to step into the NFL and immediately thrive like some other top quarterback prospects.
Shedeur Sanders’ Strengths as a Quarterback
While Wright may have doubts, Sanders has several strengths that have made him a projected first-round pick:
- Accuracy: One of Sanders’ best attributes is his precise passing ability. He consistently hits his targets with well-placed throws.
- Composure Under Pressure: Sanders has demonstrated the ability to remain calm even when faced with a strong pass rush.
- Football IQ: His decision-making and ability to read defenses are among his strongest traits.
These qualities make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a quarterback.
Nick Wright’s Concerns About Sanders’ NFL Potential
Despite Sanders’ strengths, Wright has pointed out several areas where he believes Sanders falls short when compared to other top-tier quarterback prospects:
1. Lack of Elite Arm Strength
Wright emphasized that while Sanders is accurate, he does not possess the same arm strength as some of the best quarterbacks in the league. This could limit his ability to make deep throws or fit the ball into tight windows against NFL defenses.
2. Athleticism in Scrambling Situations
Another concern is Sanders’ athletic ability when plays break down. While he is mobile, he does not have the elite speed or quickness that some of the NFL’s top dual-threat quarterbacks possess. In a league where mobility is becoming increasingly valuable, this could be a disadvantage.
3. Adjusting to NFL Speed
The jump from college football to the NFL is significant, and Wright questions whether Sanders can adjust quickly to the speed of the professional game. Defenses are faster, schemes are more complex, and windows for throws are much tighter.
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Possible NFL Landing Spots for Sanders
Despite the concerns, Sanders is still expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Wright mentioned two teams that could be potential landing spots:
1. New York Giants (Pick No. 3)
The Giants have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback. If they decide to move on from Daniel Jones, Sanders could be a potential replacement. With an improved offensive line and weapons around him, Sanders might find success in New York.
2. Las Vegas Raiders (Pick No. 6)
The Raiders are also in need of a quarterback for the future. With uncertainty at the position, Sanders could be an option if the team believes he has the tools to develop into a franchise QB.
How Sanders Can Prove His Doubters Wrong
Although there are concerns, Sanders has an opportunity to prove critics like Wright wrong. Here’s what he needs to do:
- Improve Arm Strength: While natural arm talent can’t be completely changed, Sanders can work on improving velocity and deep-ball accuracy.
- Enhance Mobility: Working on speed and agility could make him a bigger threat when plays break down.
- Dominate in College: A strong 2024 season with impressive stats and wins against top teams would help solidify his status as a top NFL prospect.
