Deep within the nerve center of the National Football League’s draft process, significant figures shed light on why Shedeur Sanders, a consensus top-tier pick according to insider predictions, experienced one of the most dramatic plummets in draft history. What were the underlying factors? Shedeur, once a renowned quarterback from Colorado and the progeny of Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame inductee, endured until the 5th round, where he was picked 144th by the Cleveland Browns.
A senior executive from one of the NFL franchises asserted, ‘The analysis goes beyond just the game.’ Another top-tier official from a different team insisted that his father’s presence had been a detrimental influence, ‘Statements made by his dad may have had bearing on the decision-making process.’ Another top talent scout from an NFC team adamantly stated, ‘The decision was centered on talent. Certainly, there were supplementary aspects, but it wouldn’t be accurate to assign all the blame there.’
These insights, presented by three high-ranking NFL team authorities, were part of a broader dialogue with USA TODAY Sports in the immediate aftermath of the draft, scrutinizing Sanders’ unexpected dip. Each executive insisted on anonymity owing to the issue’s delicate nature, bringing into focus the debate surrounding the subjective nature of the NFL draft process, and by extension, potential cultural prejudices.
The ‘additional aspects’ do not include significant non-sporting issues that might result in a potential recruit’s disqualification, such as legal troubles or drug addiction. Instead, they revolve around worries about Sanders’ leadership methods, and an ostentatious lifestyle that involves sporting a tailored diamond-encrusted timepiece during matches and endorsing his personal ‘2Legendary’ clothing line.
The decision-maker elaborated, ‘It’s about more than just establishing a personal brand. It’s about team spirit and merits to secure a position. You can’t divorce the extraneous factors from the physical prowess.’ After two seasons in Colorado, Sanders set a national record with a 74% completion rate, backed up by 64 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
One executive argued that Sanders’ high incidence of sacks (94 during his junior and senior years) couldn’t be solely imputed to a less robust offensive line. Rather, Sanders was prone to holding onto the ball for excessive durations while fixating on his targets, speculated the executive.
Despite praising Sanders for his precision and toughness, the executive had reservations, deeming his arm strength to be ‘decent, not exceptional.’ Doubts about his capability in reading field progressions were also raised. The senior official warned, ‘You aren’t your father, your skills aren’t at his level.’
Another executive chimed in, subtly criticising the influence of Shedeur’s father, the Hall of Famer. He suggested, ‘The most beneficial outcome might be for him to distance himself from his father and evolve independently.’
Although Shedeur will embark on his NFL career under a cloud of scrutiny given the diversity of perspectives on his ability, sport-specific traits, and overall approach, he certainly has a wealth of inspiration to draw from. This motivation could be the catalyst for him to demonstrate that the leaders in the NFL, who doubted him, were profoundly mistaken.