As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is preparing for the NFL Draft. Many outlets have him projected as the No. 1 overall pick, and his father, Deion Sanders, firmly believes that his son will be the first player off the board.
Yet, there have been conversations about whether the passer deserves the top spot compared to Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
Fans Debate About Shedeur Sanders
One play working in his favor came in Colorado’s 34-31 loss to the Arizona Wildcats from the 2023 season. Sanders snaked his way around the Wildcats, scrambling and escaping sacks en route to a short gain.
It was an impressive feat of athleticism for a quarterback not known for his mobility. Even so, many fans remained unconvinced by the clip.
“‘Shedeur Sanders shouldn’t be the No. 1 pick,’” one fan mocked. “Shows video of him wasting 13 seconds for a three-yard gain when he should have just thrown the ball away and had two more shots at the end zone.”
“Nice. 3 more of those and that’s a first down,” another fan joked.
"Shedeur Sanders shouldn't be the #1 pick."
Watch this:pic.twitter.com/KGlJBS7e2W
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 25, 2024
Others pointed out that NFL defenses are much faster and more aggressive, and this type of play won’t be possible at the next level.
“That play does not translate to the NFL at all,” said one commenter.
“Outrunning NFL Defense =/= Outrunning College Defense,” another opined.
“While impressive, the NFL game requires players to be able to read defenses and deliver from the pocket. Not sure this displays that,” a fan commented.
Meanwhile, some fans commended the QB.
“Yes he should and it has nothing to do with the play result or the sack escape – it’s his eyes, footwork, ball position – eyes are always in the right place and he is constantly setting up to be able to make the throw if it comes open,” a supporter said.
Sanders ended that afternoon with two scores and 262 yards, passing the 10,000-yard mark of his career dating back to Jackson State University. He redeemed himself against Arizona in 2024 with a lopsided 34-7 win in which the Wildcats seemed to be chasing the Buffaloes the entire game. Sanders finished with 250 yards and three total touchdowns.
This season, Sanders lived up to the expectations. In the Big 12 opener against Baylor, with only seconds remaining in the game, Sanders rolled left and made a throw to the endzone to LaJohntay Wester that evened the score and pushed it into overtime, where Colorado eventually won 38-31.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
COLORADO WITH A TOUCHDOWN IN THE FINAL SECONDS 🤯😱@CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/8niJ6NPK8t
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2024
He finished this season with 3,926 yards, 35 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Pro Football Network’s latest mock had him tabbed as the first overall pick by the New York Giants.
Escapability aside, Sanders has put himself in position to hear his name called first come April.