Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a great season in 2024, turning around the program from 4-8 (2023) to 9-4 (2024). However, this marked the end of his tenure in college football, with the quarterback declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Some question Sanders’ legitimacy as a top-tier quarterback worthy of getting picked inside the first five selections. However, one former Browns legend doesn’t think the criticism is justified.
Hanford Dixon Fires Back on Shedeur Sanders Critics
Hanford Dixon recently came to the defense of Shedeur amidst unwarranted criticism of his draft stock. Speaking candidly on his “The Hanford Dixon Show,” the Browns legend dismissed claims that Shedeur’s elevated draft projection is solely because of Coach Prime.
“This poor kid — well, not everybody, but a lot of people — are giving this poor kid a hard time because Deion Sanders is his father, and it’s so ridiculous,” Dixon said. “I heard someone say today, and this was the top guy on the radio here in Cleveland, that this kid wouldn’t be drafted as high as he’s going to be drafted if Deion wasn’t his father. That is the most ridiculous thing in the world.”
Dixon reminded listeners of Shedeur’s impressive athletic pedigree, noting his recruitment by several powerhouse programs, including Alabama.
“This kid was the top athlete coming out. A lot of the major colleges were recruiting this guy… Alabama wanted to get this kid and bring him in,” Dixon added.
The former Pro Bowler concluded by expressing his confidence in Sanders’ NFL prospects.
“Whoever drafts this kid, I think he’s got a promising future in the National Football League,” Dixon predicts.
Shedeur Sanders has always responded to the haters that say he’s only where he is because of who is father is. #DawgPound
“Whoever drafts this kid is getting a QB with a promising future in the NFL.”
presented by: @drinkgaragebeer pic.twitter.com/L2oXEwzhms
— The Hanford Dixon Show (@TopDawgShow) January 13, 2025
Shedeur Sanders Draft Stock Suffers After Alamo Bowl Loss
Playing for the Buffaloes in the Big 12 conference, Sanders doesn’t face the same level of competition as someone like Quinn Ewers or Carson Beck faced. Thus, a comparison can be difficult to make.
However, when Sanders almost led the Buffaloes to the conference championship game, many started to believe he had what it takes to become a top-five pick. However, critics found their voice again following Colorado’s 36-14 loss against the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl.
In the game, Sanders threw two touchdowns and two interceptions to bring his season tally to 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Despite the loss, several analysts believe Sanders is still considered the top quarterback available in the draft, alongside Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward and, maybe, to some extent, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe.
Only draft day can tell us how Sanders’ future pans out, but it is unlikely he will fall out of the top five picks.