2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Shedeur Sanders

Last Updated: 3/26/2025

Career Stats

Summary

As the highest recruit in Jackson State history, there were high expectations for Shedeur Sanders. He hit the ground running, setting a franchise record for completions and completion percentage as a freshman. Then followed that up by resetting those benchmarks while completing 70.6% of his passes en route to 341 completions and added another record with 40 touchdown passes in a single season. Then he and his father moved over to Colorado, where his ascension continued. This past season, he led the NCAA with 74% completion percentage while leading the Big 12 in completions (353), yards (4,134) and passing touchdowns (37) all program records as well.

Sanders has a nice NFL frame, measuring in at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, and pairs it with an NFL bloodline. Having a former NFL Hall of Famer as a dad is clear in Sanders’ game; no spotlight is too bright, and he is technically sound. This starts with his mechanics, displaying a fluid and compact throwing motion that generates a quick release and accurate throws, making it look effortless. He marries this with quick feet and hips, allowing him to excel in getting the ball out quickly in RPO sets or while on the move. His accuracy in the short to intermediate areas of the field is second to none, especially between the hashes. This does deteriorate as his targets get deeper, stemming from a lack of high-end arm talent.

When it comes to his arm, there are questions. He is very accurate and generates plenty of velocity in the intermediate area of the field. This is also an area where his rhythmic style enhances his arm and allows him to throw into tight windows with good anticipation. His touch throws are incredible, showing the ability to layer balls between defenders or drop the ball in a bucket along the sideline. The issues arise in the deeper portions of the field where he will leave throws short and errant at times. He also leaves balls a touch behind players when throwing to the boundary from the opposite hash, which can be dangerous.

Within the pocket, Sanders is inconsistent. Displaying a natural ability to remain calm and step up in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. On the other hand, there are plenty of reps where he unnecessarily drifts or bails out of the pocket early, limiting his throwing options. This is extrapolated by his lack of mobility, allowing defenders to stay on receivers with little threat of Sanders taking off.

When it is all said and done, Sanders is a technically sound player who has the football IQ to limit massive mistakes while moving the ball effectively down the field. He is not a significant elevator of players but is a leader on the field who remains collected more times than not. In the right system and situation, Sanders can become a yearly starter for a long time.

Strengths

• Intermediate accuracy
• Fluid mechanics
• On-field presence
• Touch throws

Weaknesses

• Mobility
• Pocket presence
• Arm strength

Honors and Awards

• Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2024)
• First-Team All-Big 12 (2024)
• AP Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year (2023)
• SWAC Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
• First-Team All-SWAC (2022)
• SWAC Freshman of the Year (2021)
• Second-Team All-SWAC (2021)

 Athletic Testing

• 40-yard dash: TBD
• Vertical: TBD
• Broad Jump: TBD
• Three-cone: TBD
• Shuttle: TBD
• Bench: TBD

NFL Role Prediction

• Winning starter

Fantasy Outlook

Shedeur Sanders is an effective passer who excels in an RPO-style offense, so this should make it an easy transition to the NFL with most teams leaning this direction. However, for fantasy he lacks the safety net of a rushing upside. This makes him far less desirable until he is primed to join the premier passer discussion — think Joe Burrow or C.J. Stroud. On the flip side, in superflex there is a bigger draw as he will likely be a stable QB2 on a weekly basis if he lands in a spot that offers some playmakers for him to work with. No matter what, it seems unlikely he will ever become a top-flight fantasy quarterback.

Player Comparisons

• Jared Goff
• Tua Tagovailoa
• Derek Carr