Shedeur Sanders, once considered a top quarterback prospect, experienced an unexpected slide during the NFL Draft, raising eyebrows and concerns among teams.
Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, who has a long-standing relationship with the Sanders family, wasn't shy about expressing his thoughts. He emphasized the competitive nature of Sanders and issued a warning: 'Beware.' This competitive spirit is backed by a track record of impressive performances at the Colorado Buffaloes pro day, where he showcased why he deserved more respect in the draft process.
Payton's strong evaluation of Sanders came as no surprise since he attended Colorado's pro day, a significant event dubbed the 'We Ain’t Hard to Find Showcase' by Deion Sanders. Payton was astonished by Sanders' abilities on the field. 'He had an outstanding pro day,' he said, adding, 'If you're a team that needs a quarterback, beware.'
Despite being selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, where he was picked No. 144 overall, the consensus among many scouts and executives was that his talent far exceeded his draft position. Cleveland Browns' general manager Andrew Berry noted that Sanders was the best prospect available at the most crucial position, regardless of the round.
Payton's admiration for Sanders stems from years of following him. 'I saw [Shedeur] when he was in junior high, and then I saw him in high school,' Payton shared. He understands that Sanders will approach this opportunity with a chip on his shoulder, fueling his ambition to prove doubters wrong. This mindset is particularly valuable in a league where many players fade under pressure, yet Payton sees a different future for Sanders.
Numerous teams seemed surprised by where Sanders landed in the NFL Draft analysis. For instance, the New England Patriots expressed disbelief over his drop, with executive vice president Eliot Wolf noting that they had carefully evaluated Sanders and were surprised he was still available. His standout performance against formidable opponents like Oklahoma State reinforced the perception that he was undervalued by several teams. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys and someone with a long association with Deion Sanders, echoed this sentiment, affirming the excellent character and competitive spirit Sanders brings to the field.
Despite the mixed feedback he received during pre-draft interviews, which might have contributed to his draft slide, Sanders celebrated his selection at his home in Texas. He recognizes the challenges ahead in a Cleveland quarterback room filled with competition, including fellow draftee Dillon Gabriel, veteran Joe Flacco, and potential incumbent starters like Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson, who might be sidelined due to injury recovery.
Berry recognized the impressive qualities Sanders possesses, stating, 'The time that we spent with Shedeur and what he’s done throughout his college career is impressive. He’s a really good quarterback.'
As Sanders begins his professional career, his journey will likely be an inspiring narrative, reflecting resilience and determination. Coaches and fans alike will be closely watching how he translates his college success into the NFL. Payton's prediction carries weight not only due to his experience and knowledge of the game but also because of the connections he has with Sanders.
In essence, Shedeur Sanders may have slipped during the draft, but his journey is just starting. As he steps onto the NFL stage, his ambition, competitive character, and the wisdom imparted by seasoned coaches like Sean Payton could propel him towards a successful career. Teams who underestimated him may soon realize that they missed out on a promising talent capable of thriving in one of the most demanding sports environments available today.