‘Stay in school’ gets a boost by Quinn Ewers & Shedeur Sanders | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Shedeur Sanders and Quinn Ewers' NFL Draft Disappointments

Shedeur Sanders and Quinn Ewers, both projected as top picks, were selected in the fifth and seventh rounds, respectively, in the 2025 NFL Draft. This outcome contrasts sharply with their anticipated high draft positions and lucrative NIL deals in college.

The 'Stay in School' Lesson

The article emphasizes the financial and career risks associated with forgoing a final year of college eligibility. Both players had the option to return to college for another year and earn substantially more money than they are projected to earn in the NFL. The substantial difference between their college earnings and anticipated NFL salaries is highlighted.

Factors Influencing Draft Positions

Several factors contributed to their lower-than-expected draft positions:

• Concerns about Shedeur Sanders' performance and the potential distractions associated with his father, Deion Sanders.
• Concerns about Quinn Ewers' health and ability to consistently perform at a high level.
• The opinions of NFL teams that neither is as skilled as Tyler Shough, another college quarterback.

Financial Implications

The article contrasts the substantial income both players earned via NIL deals in college with their projected significantly lower NFL salaries. Shedeur Sanders' rookie contract is estimated at $950,000, while Ewers' contract as a seventh-round pick is around $4.3 million. They both potentially made millions more in another year of college.

Conclusion

The article concludes that while both players pursued their NFL dreams, their draft positions serve as a cautionary tale about the uncertainty and risks associated with leaving college early, particularly regarding the potential for greater financial returns by completing their college careers.