FOOTBALL

The Shedeur Sanders Question

Andrae Hawes | August 9, 2025

Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most polarizing college quarterbacks in recent memory, not just because of his last name, but because of how he’s handled pressure — both on and off the field. At Colorado, he showed elite poise in the pocket, a quick release, and a knack for reading defenses pre-snap. His arm strength is legit, and his accuracy on intermediate routes might be his biggest weapon. Still, the transition to the NFL is never just about skill; it’s about how quickly a QB can process at pro speed. That’s where the jury is still out.

One thing Sanders has going for him is his mental toughness. At Colorado, he played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Power Five, and he still put up numbers. That’s going to help in the NFL, where even good offensive lines can get overmatched. But his tendency to hold onto the ball looking for the big play could be a problem at the next level. NFL defenses close windows much faster, and sacks that were “drive killers” in college will be career-shorteners in the pros if he doesn’t speed up his reads.

Physically, he checks most of the boxes. His arm talent will translate, and he’s shown he can make every throw an NFL coordinator would ask for. But he’s not an elite runner like some dual-threat quarterbacks, so he won’t be able to rely on pure athleticism to bail him out. Instead, he’ll have to lean heavily on timing, anticipation, and his film study habits. The good news? His preparation seems to be at a pro level already, something scouts have consistently praised.

Ultimately, Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future comes down to system fit and coaching. In the right scheme — one that protects him early, emphasizes quick-game concepts, and lets him grow into more complex reads — he could be a long-term starter. In the wrong situation, where he’s thrown into chaos without support, the learning curve could flatten his momentum fast. His game can translate, but only if the NFL he walks into is willing to meet him halfway.