Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, unexpectedly fell in the NFL Draft, despite the hype surrounding him. This wasn't a surprise to NFL teams, who largely didn't consider him a first-round talent.
Multiple NFL coaches and executives surveyed confirmed they weren't surprised by Sanders' slide. Concerns included his arm strength, accuracy (particularly on shorter throws), lack of a dynamic running element, and questions about his leadership and dedication.
The article highlights that these weren't new opinions; evaluators consistently ranked Sanders lower than other quarterbacks throughout the pre-draft process. Some suggested his draft grade would be higher in a weaker QB class.
The article discusses the competitive landscape of the quarterback position, noting that several teams were focused on other prospects or had already filled their quarterback need. The Giants' trade up for Jaxson Dart further cemented Sanders' lower ranking. The Saints and Steelers, considered potential landing spots, selected other players instead.
Despite the draft setback, the article points out Sanders' success in revitalizing the Colorado program and his strong performance that earned him an 8th place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. His future potential is acknowledged, suggesting that the disappointment could serve as motivation.