The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises, but perhaps none more shocking than the unexpected drop of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Widely projected as a top-10 pick throughout the pre-draft process, Sanders ended up slipping into the later stages of the first round — leaving fans and analysts scrambling for answers. Now, several NFL executives are shedding light on what really happened behind closed doors.
According to multiple league sources, concerns about Sanders’ transition from Colorado’s offensive scheme to a pro-style system played a significant role in his slide. While his stats under his father, head coach Deion Sanders, were impressive — throwing for over 3,500 yards with 30 touchdowns — evaluators worried about how his game would translate at the next level. “There’s no denying his arm talent,” one AFC scout told The Athletic, “but the offense he ran didn’t require him to make full-field reads or consistently operate under pressure. That raised some red flags.”
Beyond scheme fit, executives also pointed to questions surrounding Shedeur’s decision-making during the pre-draft process. One GM noted that Sanders skipped several key team interviews and private workouts, citing scheduling issues. “When you’re vying to be a top pick, teams expect a certain level of engagement,” the executive explained. “Fair or not, when you’re not showing up, it raises questions about commitment.” Some teams also admitted to being wary of the added spotlight and potential distractions that could come from drafting Deion Sanders’ son.
Despite the slide, there’s no doubt Sanders still has the tools to succeed at the next level. Landing with a franchise that can develop him without immediate pressure might turn out to be the perfect scenario. As one NFC exec put it, “Shedeur’s talent is first-round caliber. Now it’s about putting him in the right system, with the right support. If that happens, a lot of teams that passed on him are going to regret it.” One thing’s for sure: the Shedeur Sanders story is just getting started.