CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the world of college football, Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback from Colorado, is generating a mix of opinions among NFL scouts and coaches. Recently, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported insights from various sources within the league, revealing that not everyone is convinced about Sanders' readiness for the professional stage. While Pelissero kept his sources anonymous, the remarks made by a longtime NFL assistant coach were particularly striking.
The anonymous assistant coach shared a harsh critique of Sanders, stating, “The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates. ... But the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.” This feedback highlights significant concerns regarding Sanders' performance and attitude.
Despite the negative feedback, Pelissero did include some positive remarks about Sanders. An NFC quarterbacks coach acknowledged him as a “talented passer,” though he expressed doubts about Sanders' elite arm strength. This contrast in opinions underscores the divided stance on Sanders' potential as a future NFL quarterback.
Further adding to the skepticism, a longtime AFC executive reported a troubling interview with Sanders, stating, “He wants to dictate what he’s going to do and what’s best for him. He makes you feel small.” Such comments suggest that Sanders may need to work on his interpersonal skills and adaptability if he hopes to succeed in the NFL.
An NFC general manager also weighed in, expressing a preference for Jaxson Dart from Mississippi over Sanders after reviewing their performances from the previous season. This sentiment indicates that there may be other quarterbacks who are viewed as more favorable prospects heading into the draft.
As the NFL Draft approaches, analysts are making bold predictions about where Sanders might land. New ESPN analyst Peter Schrager, formerly of NFL Network, has projected Sanders to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 21 pick in his latest mock draft. Schrager mentioned that Sanders had a positive meeting during his visit to Pittsburgh, indicating that the Steelers are considering him as a potential fit.
Schrager further noted on the Pat McAfee Show that the New York Giants have not ruled out selecting Sanders at No. 3, which could significantly impact his draft position. It’s suggested that Sanders could be drafted anywhere from the top three to the second round, depending on team needs and evaluations.
In a surprising twist, former NFL executive Marc Ross predicted that the Cleveland Browns might select Sanders with the No. 2 overall pick. Ross noted that many had assumed the Browns would choose between edge rusher Abdul Carter or dual-threat player Travis Hunter, but suggested that an unexpected choice of Sanders could shake up the draft landscape.
In other news, reports have emerged regarding the Atlanta Falcons and their negotiations involving quarterback Kirk Cousins. General manager Terry Fontenot has dismissed claims that the team is asking other franchises to cover $20 million of Cousins' remaining salary in a trade. As Cousins reported to Atlanta's voluntary offseason program, he faces competition from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who took over the starting role last season.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are showing interest in Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, who could potentially sneak into the first round of the draft. The Chiefs conducted a conference call with Henderson, who is projected as a second-round pick. With Kansas City holding the No. 31 pick, there’s a chance they may opt for Henderson to add more explosiveness to their backfield. Henderson boasts an impressive college career, having rushed for 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns at Ohio State.
As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on how these prospects, including Shedeur Sanders and TreVeyon Henderson, will impact the future of their respective teams.
