Top draft prospect Shedeur Sanders made a bold statement to teams interested in selecting him during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Shedeur Sanders’ Bold Message to NFL Teams Ahead of the 2025 Draft
The 23-year-old Colorado quarterback who’s developed a reputation for his confidence and swagger, didn’t mince words when addressing potential suitors.
“If you’re not trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t get me,” Sanders declared. This statement underscores his belief in his ability to transform an NFL team, much like he did at the collegiate level.
"You think I'm worried about what critics gonna say?"
Shedeur Sanders meets the media pic.twitter.com/y7BYYoyGgp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2025
Sanders backed up his audacious claim by pointing to his track record of success. “We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back to back. Don’t you think I could come to an NFL franchise and change a program again? It’s history, it’s always going to repeat itself,” he asserted.
Colorado QB Shadeur Sanders at the NFL Combine: “We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back to back. So you don't think I could come to an NFL franchise and change the program again? It's history. We've done it.” @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/O91E7fR6BL
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 28, 2025
What NFL Teams Will Get With Shedeur Sanders
In his scouting profile on Sanders, PFSN’s Jacob Infante commended Sanders for his accuracy, touch, toughness, composure, and decision-making in a clean pocket. Infante’s knocked Sanders for his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, footwork, timing, and pocket presence.
Sanders registered an impressive final year at Colorado, where he led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 finish, amassing over 4,000 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. Sanders was also the most sacked quarterback in college football, prompting Pat McAfee to heap massive praise on him.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski raved about Sanders and his maturity, declaring “he’s a heck of a football player.” College football analyst Joel Klatt even compared Sanders to Joe Burrow.
Which NFL Team Will End Up Picking Sanders in the 2025 Draft?
Several NFL teams with top-ten picks, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, could be in the market for a quarterback after disappointing 2024 seasons. Sanders’ message seems mainly aimed at these franchises looking for a cultural shift.
In his 7-round mock draft, PFSN’s Marco Enriquez has Sanders landing with the Giants at the third overall pick, adding, “Sanders is the most accurate passer in the class, and he has the mobility to extend plays…His biggest obstacle will be his awareness of pressure. He tends to hold onto the ball too long and can sometimes move into pressure rather than away from it.”
Despite the chatter about Sanders not slipping past the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 6 in the draft, legendary NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper threw out a surprising darkhorse: The New York Jets.
Daniel Jeremiah believes neither the Jets or Giants will end up with Sanders, predicting he’s a better fit somewhere else.
While Sanders’ bold statements have garnered attention, it’s worth noting that he won’t be throwing at the Combine. Instead, as Sanders noted on a podcast interview, he plans to focus on team interviews, saving his on-field performance for Colorado’s pro day.
Three-time Super Bowl Champion Michael Irving agreed with the move to skip on-field activities at the combine, saying Sanders is “already at the top.” This decision aligns with Sanders’ approach at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he chose to meet with teams rather than practice and play.