Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Draft: Talent, Conformity, and the Realities of Leadership
Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide through the first few rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft was more than a surprise-it was a revealing look at how NFL teams weigh production, personality, and fit. For a quarterback with Sanders’ résumé, his fall was a signal that the league still prizes conformity as much as raw talent. The debate over his draft stock has become a case study in how the NFL’s priorities shape the fate of even the most accomplished prospects.
Jackson State: More Than a Football Powerhouse
Before Sanders became a household name at Colorado, he established himself at Jackson State University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) with a respected football tradition and a significant alumni presence in the NFL. JSU’s graduates have also made many contributions in government, culture, science, law, and education.
On the field, Sanders led the Tigers to a 23-3 record, two SWAC titles, and earned the Deacon Jones Award as the nation’s top HBCU player. He also played a direct role in flipping Travis Hunter-the nation’s top high school recruit-from Florida State to Jackson State, a move that drew national attention and changed the conversation about HBCU recruiting. Sanders’ time at JSU was notable for both his performance and the visibility he brought to the program.
The Travis Hunter Connection: Brotherhood and Success
One of the most telling aspects of Sanders’ career is his relationship with Travis Hunter. Their partnership began at JSU, where Sanders’ influence was instrumental in Hunter’s decision to join him-an unprecedented move for a recruit of Hunter’s caliber. Their connection continued at Colorado, where Hunter went on to win the Heisman Trophy and become the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The bond between Sanders and Hunter goes beyond football. They interact more like brothers than teammates, with Deion Sanders serving as a father figure to both. On draft night, Hunter’s public support for Sanders-FaceTiming him and checking in during his own press conference-was a testament to their loyalty and genuine friendship. Hunter has openly credited Shedeur for pushing him to improve and for being a true friend throughout their journey together. Even in moments of personal achievement, Hunter has made a point to mention Sanders, highlighting the depth of their connection.
As someone who values authentic friendship and shared ambition, I found it especially memorable to see the genuine happiness and smile on Shedeur’s face as he watched Travis accept the Heisman Trophy-both of them knowing just how much work and sacrifice it took to reach that moment. Their story is a reminder that, even in the hyper-competitive world of elite sports, real camaraderie and support still matter.
Colorado: Production Under Pressure
Sanders’ transfer to Colorado put him in the national spotlight and tested his ability at the Power Five level. Over two seasons, he started 24 games and set multiple school records. In 2023, he passed for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns, helping turn a one-win team into a competitive program. In 2024, he elevated his performance further, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns with a 74% completion rate, leading Colorado to a 9–4 record and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Throughout both seasons, Sanders engineered late-game drives and delivered wins against ranked opponents, demonstrating poise and resilience under relentless attention.
Yet, as the draft unfolded, Sanders watched teams select quarterbacks with less production and lower profiles. Five quarterbacks-Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel-were all selected before him, despite Sanders being widely projected as a first-round talent just weeks earlier.
The Interview Factor and NFL Culture
Why the slide? The answer goes beyond the stat sheet.
Reports from NFL teams pointed to difficult pre-draft interviews. Multiple coaches and executives described Sanders as “entitled,” “brash,” and “not very good” in meetings, with one calling his session “the worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life.” The consistent theme: Sanders wanted to dictate offensive schemes and was reluctant to adapt-a red flag for organizations that expect rookies to fit into established systems.
The situation with Brian Daboll and the New York Giants is a prime example. Reports surfaced that Sanders was unprepared for a key install package during his meeting with Daboll and did not respond well to being called out. When asked at a press conference, Daboll gave a vague, noncommittal answer, saying only that “all meetings with the QB prospects went well.” The lack of specifics arguably gave credence to the reports of a negative interaction.
NFL teams’ preference for conformity is not without merit. In a league where locker room chemistry and organizational culture can make or break a season, teams are understandably cautious about prospects who might disrupt established norms or put personal interests ahead of collective goals. Much like in any high-performing workplace, nobody wants to work with a prima donna-no matter how talented-if that person undermines morale or refuses to buy into the group’s mission. While established stars like Micah Parsons or Travis Kelce have earned the freedom to build personal brands and run podcasts, rookies-especially quarterbacks-are expected to prove themselves first and demonstrate they can put the team above their own platform. The NFL’s message is clear: individuality is earned, not assumed.
On-Field Strengths and Real Questions
Sanders’ on-field style was both a strength and a source of concern. He was sacked nearly 100 times in two years at Colorado. While much of this was due to a porous offensive line, evaluators also noted his tendency to hold the ball too long, hunting for big plays and sometimes leaving clean pockets early. Some scouts questioned his arm strength and pro-readiness, noting that his deep throws lacked zip and that he sometimes struggled to process post-snap coverage at NFL speed. His style-playing “Superman” and passing up easy throws-led to both highlight moments and avoidable mistakes.
The National Conversation
The reaction to Sanders’ slide was swift and broad. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. called it “nonsensical,” while others, including Joel Klatt and Booger McFarland, insisted that the slide was about more than just football. Even President Donald Trump weighed in, posting, “What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” It’s rare for a draft prospect to receive that kind of attention from the White House, let alone in such blunt terms. The moment was a reminder of how much attention-and scrutiny-Sanders commands.
Blessing in Disguise
History suggests Sanders’ draft slide could be a blessing in disguise. Many great quarterbacks-Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Steve Young-began as backups, using the time to learn and adapt before taking over. If Sanders embraces this period as a chance to develop, he could turn a setback into a launching pad for a long career. Sitting and learning behind a veteran can allow a young quarterback to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL, build relationships in the locker room, and prove their readiness without the immediate pressure of being the face of the franchise.
In many cases, what seems like a setback is actually the start of a more sustainable career. The NFL is filled with stories of quarterbacks who benefited from patience and preparation. If Sanders uses this time to refine his game, embrace coaching, and demonstrate his adaptability, he could follow in the footsteps of those who turned backup roles into legendary careers.
The Road Ahead
Shedeur Sanders’ draft experience is now a case study in how the NFL balances production, personality, politics, and the realities of team culture. The real test will be how he adapts to the league’s demands-and whether teams’ focus on conformity over talent will prove wise. If Sanders seizes this opportunity, he could yet rewrite the narrative and add his name to the long list of quarterbacks who started as questions and finished as answers.
