Shedeur Sanders Gets Professional Comparison From 2-Time Pro Bowler

One of the most exciting players expected to enter the NFL next season is University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders, who played for his father Deion Sanders, showed a lot of promise this season and saw his name emerge in the football world. Colorado finished the year with a 4-8 record, but Sanders himself played exceptionally well.

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NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah analyzed the pro comparison for Sanders, viewing him similarly to two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith.

“Geno Smith is a West Virginia native. Like Smith during his time with the Mountaineers, Sanders plays in a wide-open college offense that showcases his refinement as a passer. Both Smith and Sanders have beautiful throws and deliver a solid/catchable ball. While both are capable of getting the free yards presented in the run game, neither is dynamic as a ball carrier.”

If Sanders becomes a player like Smith, it could be considered a solid career. However, the pressure on Saunders will likely be higher than on Smith. Sanders has been projected as a possible No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, so he could be seen as someone with a higher ceiling. If he goes with the first overall pick, Sanders’ floor could see a career similar to Smith’s because of the expectations placed on him.

Next season will be huge for Sanders’ overall growth and how he’s perceived in the NFL. He was good in Colorado last season, but will need to show more consistency throughout the year if he wants to be drafted high. NFL teams pick and choose prospects, so any small flaws Sauders shows will be magnified. But Jeremiah is high on Sanders’ overall ability going forward.

“Sanders is a pure pitcher with a compact, fluid swing. He has excellent balance and weight transfer at release, and he has enough arm strength to drive the ball downfield. He can throw with timing/anticipation, and he is adept at selecting the right tempo needed for each throw. His toughness is another quality that jumps off the screen. He will plant his feet under pressure, and chooses to accept physical punishment to achieve completions. He took some huge shots in the three games I studied.”

Last season, Sanders had 3,230 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns and three interceptions. But the team itself wasn’t very good, so teams will be looking to see if he can lead the Buffaloes to a better record this season. Sanders has a big target on his back this season, but if he can play his best, he could reap the rewards next spring.

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