Reports suggest that Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders made a shaky impression during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine meetings. According to Todd McShay, reps from two NFL teams picking in the top 10 weren’t sold on the top prospect’s attitude in formal interviews.
NFL Executives’ Concerns About Shedeur Sanders
In an article revealing his takeaways from the 2025 NFL Combine, McShay reports one high-ranking team official said Sanders “wasn’t taking it all that seriously,” while another claimed he lacked a “professional approach.” Both sources noted that Sanders seemed unbothered by how they saw him.
Both sources hail from quarterback-hungry teams drafting early in the upcoming NFL draft. These meetings are key for sizing up a player’s character, football smarts, and pro readiness. Since Sanders skipped throwing at the combine, the interviews were his only shot to boost his draft stock there.
How Deion Sanders Has Influenced the Process
Deion Sanders’s fingerprints add a twist to the saga. Shedeur’s father and coach has been upfront about wanting a say in his son’s landing spot, telling Dan Patrick, “There’s a lot of teams I preferred he didn’t play for.”
McShay suggests Deion is “working behind the scenes to secure what he thinks is the optimal destination for Shedeur.” If that’s the case, Shedeur’s reported disinterest in certain teams could be a play, not a slip-up. Deion pulled a similar move as a top prospect, bailing on an interview with the New York Giants before the 1989 NFL Draft.
Sanders’ Combine Approach
Like several top quarterback prospects lately, Sanders passed on throwing at the combine, zeroing in on team chats and saving his arm for Colorado’s Pro Day.
When talking to reporters, Sanders oozed confidence in his game, saying, “We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back-to-back. You don’t think I could come to an NFL franchise and change a program again?”
Sanders touted leadership as his biggest strength and hinted criticism of his draft spot might be personal. During his combine press conference, he said, “When people say I’m not one of the top quarterbacks … it has to be some kind of external hate that you have for the family, for the last name.”
@yahoosports Shedeur Sanders coming in hot at the NFL Combine 🥵 #shedeursanders #nfl (via SNY)
One reason for Sanders’ perceived unprofessional vibe might be tied to a communication snag. Sanders admitted to losing a phone with NFL team contacts and missing calls from some front offices.
How Shedeur’s Combine Presence Impacts His Draft Stock
McShay’s report stirs up questions about how execs’ takes could shake Sanders’ draft spot. He’s been linked to quarterback-needy teams picking early, like the Las Vegas Raiders and Giants. The vibes have been all over the place.
Sanders fired off a blunt pitch to the Tennessee Titans that split scouts on how he’d fit a franchise. Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski called Sanders “a heck of a football player.” NFL analyst Lindsay Rhodes said Sanders is closer to Jaxson Dart than Cam Ward in draft stock. Sanders gets props for toughness but flak for eating too many sacks and his in-your-face swagger.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer has wondered if Sanders has the elite physical tools to lock in a top-5 pick, comparing him to “a Mac Jones type.” Toss in these new reports on his meeting vibes, and it could mess with his stock.
The moment Sanders had an ounce of FBS success, his personality and confidence has become a hot button topic between both fans and executives.
NFL teams will keep digging into Sanders at Colorado’s Pro Day, private workouts, and more sit-downs as the draft nears. The buzz around this top prospect makes him one of the most electric—and divisive—talents in draft history. Which team will bet that his upside trumps any red flags?
Whether these reported meeting vibes are a calculated flex, a one-off stumble, or a legit character flag is up for grabs. His dad’s track record and heavy hand hint that Shedeur’s draft path has been plotted out.
I see nothing wrong with his comment. Yall going hate because of his last name.