INDIANAPOLIS — Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback for the University of Colorado, is positioning himself as one of the top prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, making headlines at the NFL Scouting Combine this week. Although he announced he will skip the on-field workouts, he took the opportunity to articulate his ambitions and portray himself as the franchise quarterback capable of turning around losing teams.
Despite the Cleveland Browns' tumultuous recent history, marked by inconsistent seasons and unsuccessful quarterback experiments, Sanders expressed unwavering confidence when asked about his potential to lead the team. "If you aren’t trying to change the franchise or the culture, don’t get me," he declared emphatically, referencing his success at both Jackson State and Colorado. "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. History repeats itself, and I’ve done it over and over. So, it should be no question why NFL franchises should pick me."
Sanders, who has drawn attention not only for his skills but also for his lineage as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, shone brightly on the podium. He has recorded impressive statistics during his college career, leading the nation with a completion percentage of 74% and making 4,134 passing yards with 37 touchdowns last season alone. His record completion percentage of 71.8% positions him as one of the greatest passers at the collegiate level.
Meeting with potential teams, including the Browns, during the combine has been pivotal for Sanders, who has previously succeeded in environments of high pressure. "When people say I’m not one of the top quarterbacks or the top quarterback, what are y’all going based off of?" he questioned rhetorically. "I did it year after year, and you see the progression. Obviously, it has to be some kind of external hate, tied to my family or my last name, because I know I’ve proven myself on the field." This statement reflects his resilience to critics, which he attributes to his football pedigree.
Meanwhile, his competitor for the title of top quarterback, Cam Ward, is also presenting strong arguments at the combine. Both Ward and Sanders confirmed they will avoid participating in the drills and instead focus on their pro days for throwing. Each feels confident their game tape provides enough evidence of their abilities. Ward, having set several records at Miami and previously at Incarnate Word, is acutely aware of the pressure faced by quarterbacks trying to impress at the combine. Ward noted, "I think the five years of film says everything I can do. I just think me throwing here is not going to move me any type of way."
The intensity has been palpable as both top prospects engaged with numerous teams and representatives, including public comments from noted NFL figures like the Browns' head coach Kevin Stefanski. He remarked on Sanders’ impressive abilities and expressed admiration for his potential leadership qualities, noting, "He certainly has great resources, not just from his dad but also from our coaching staff." This endorsement could prove valuable as franchises deliberate strategies for addressing their quarterback needs.
Sanders is not only mindful of his on-field performance; he is also placing emphasis on the mental aspects of being a quarterback. Citing the legendary Tom Brady, he explained the importance of mental strength, stating, "If you have those traits of greatness, and I know where I’m heading, then why wouldn’t the franchise pick me? You've got the ultimate cheat code." His confidence has remained intact amid criticism; Sanders embraces the adversities linked with his name, characterizing it as part of his development process. "You think I’m worried about what critics say? You know who my dad is? They hated on him, too. So, this is normal for us. We like the adversity. We like everything associated with our name. That’s why we are who we are," he added.
Despite questions about his readiness for the NFL game as he transitions from college, Sanders has expressed enthusiasm about his growth and success throughout varied experiences. "I’ve got to find myself early; I’ve got to get ready mentally early because I know early on, sometimes I wasn’t taking the completions coach was calling. Sometimes I was trying to make too much happen," he acknowledged, vowing to address the missteps he recognized during his collegiate career.
With the Tennessee Titans holding the number one overall pick and the Browns positioned at the second overall selection, Sanders is optimistic about his future. The competition between him and Ward is heating up as the draft approaches, but both quarterbacks could drastically impact whichever franchise selects them. Sanders’ reputation as both performer and leader sees him riding high on confidence as he takes his next steps toward NFL stardom.
Reflecting on his upcoming future, he stated without hesitation, "So, you should know history repeats itself over and over and I’ve done it over and over. It should be no question why NFL franchises should pick me." With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, all eyes will be trained on these two prospects to see where they land and the legacies they will forge within the professional ranks.