Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders is leading the 2025 NFL Draft race as one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class. And there’s a very good chance that he’ll go No. 1 overall, which is currently held by the New York Giants.
But what makes Sanders different and unique? According to NFL scouts, Deion Sanders’ son is a high-level processor and understands how to make quick decisions on the field.
Shedeur Sanders’ Mental Toughness Is on Another Level
The Buffs’ QB has played a pivotal role under his dad, Coach Prime, to revolutionize the program into what it is today. The team that was 1-11 two years ago now holds a 9-3 record and in the postseason with a matchup in the Alamo Bowl.
This massive revamp helped Shedeur Sanders make a mark in the NFL Draft picture alongside other top prospects like Cam Ward, Dillon Gabriel, and others.
On the Christmas edition of the Todd McShay podcast, the NFL analyst shared reports that he received from scouts about each player’s strengths and weaknesses. McShay highlighted that even though Shedeur possesses an average arm, his mental strength makes him a unique prospect.
"From the neck-up, Shedeur is a high-level processor. He doesn't get sped-up mentally. His instincts, his processing ability — that's his special sauce and that's what makes him the best quarterback prospect in this class." – NFL scout to @McShay13 on Shedeur Sanders #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/xMkXn28R2j
— WBG84 (@WBG84) December 25, 2024
“I want to make sure we’re clear on this. I think Cam’s an okay processor. I think he’s fine, and I think he’ll continue to develop. But from the neck up, Shedeur is a high-level processor…He doesn’t get mentally sped up,” McShay said per scouts’ reports.
“Now, sometimes that gets him in trouble because everything’s kind of slow, and everything’s slow for him because he processes things so quickly. So now, sometimes he gets himself into trouble because he thinks there’s more there, and he just has such great instincts that he thinks he can create a bigger play.
“Average arm, but it’s plenty good enough to be successful at the next level. He is a better athlete in terms of extending pocket presence than he is a runner. Too many chances with the ball at times, drifts in the pocket. My goodness, his instincts, his processing ability. That’s his special sauce. That’s what makes him the best quarterback in this class,” he added.
Cam Ward and Sanders’ Latest 2025 NFL Draft Projections
In PFN’s latest mock draft, Alex Kennedy has Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward going No. 4 overall to the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s leadership, pocket presence, and insane throws make him a perfect choice to replace Will Levis in Tennessee.
Unsurprisingly, when it comes to Sanders, Kennedy sees the possibility of him going No. 1 overall to the Giants. After Daniel Jones’ departure, New York’s franchise is in the hunt for a next-generation quarterback, and Coach Prime’s son could be a great pick to fill that void.