The Free Fall of Shedeur Sanders: A Stunning NFL Draft Plummet

The narrative surrounding Shedeur Sanders, the highly-touted Colorado quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has shifted dramatically during the 2025 NFL Draft. Initially anticipated to be a first-round pick, Sanders found himself undrafted even after the third round, marking a surprising fall from grace for a player once projected as a top quarterback prospect. As reported by Christian Arnold in the New York Post, Santos was even the victim of a prank call days before the draft, leading him to believe he was about to be selected. His confidence has undoubtedly been shaken with every pick that did not include his name. Despite his accolades, including being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, the disconnect between his projected draft position and actual outcome raises questions about the influence of celebrity and pressure in the scouting process. Various analysts suggested that Sanders' large media presence might have backfired. His father’s fame as both a Hall of Famer and coach likely amplified expectations but perhaps cast a shadow on his individual capabilities. While athletes like Bronny James had their own unique narratives, Sanders was heralded as a legitimate star in comparison. Mel Kiper's emotional reaction underscores how much faith the media had placed in him, calling it a collective oversight when other teams passed on him. High-profile relationships, such as that with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who praised Sanders' character, complicate the narrative. Nevertheless, many scouts remain skeptical, citing Sanders' decision-making under pressure and his tendency to hold the ball too long as significant flaws. Conversely, teams needing quarterbacks failed to pull the trigger—leading to speculation that Sanders' celebrity and ensuing attention could be more of a distraction than an asset. In light of these events, some are suggesting a radical alternative: Sanders could consider returning to college football for another season, leveraging not only his eligibility but also the potential for NIL deals to create a lucrative year outside of the NFL. This could provide him with additional film to improve his stock for future drafts. Given the prevailing conditions in football—specifically the growing influence of the NCAA's recent rule changes on NIL—this option could provide a pathway that balances the risks and potential rewards for Sanders. Ultimately, as the NFL draft progresses, the narrative around Sanders is shifting from a tale of promise to one of uncertainty, and it poses critical questions about how talent evaluations are conducted in today’s media-driven sports environment. Will the teams who passed on him regret their choices as Sanders uses this setback as fuel for his career? Only time will tell in what is being described as one of the most unfathomable draft falls in recent memory.