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Summer Scouting Series
Football Scout 365 Analyst Brandon Lundberg shares his initial insights on key draft-eligible college football players in anticipation of the 2024 college football season.
Shedeur Sanders Overview
In the opening week of last season, Deion Sanders' debut with Colorado made a huge impact in college football, as they surprised many by defeating TCU 45-42. Shedeur Sanders, Deion's son, had an outstanding performance against the Horned Frogs, completing 81% of his passes for 510 yards and four touchdowns without any interceptions. Following this, the Buffaloes secured victories against Nebraska and Colorado State in the subsequent weeks, with the quarterback delivering impressive stats and entering the Heisman Trophy conversation.
However, in the fourth week, Colorado faced a tough challenge, suffering a 42-6 loss to Oregon, with Sanders struggling and being sacked seven times. The following week, Colorado was defeated in a high-scoring game against USC. Despite the promising start, the 2023 Buffaloes only managed one more win, ending the season disappointingly at 4-8.
As Colorado enters the second year under Coach Prime in Boulder and transitions to the Big 12 Conference, there is anticipation surrounding the performance of one of college football's most prominent figures. After reviewing Sanders' gameplay from the previous season, here is my initial scouting report on what to expect this year.
Scouting Report:
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 210 pounds
2023 Stats: Completed 298-of-430 passes (69.3% Comp. Rate) for 3,230 yards (7.5 per attempt), 27 TDs, and 3 INTs; he added 111 carries for -77 yards (-0.7 average), 4 TDs.
Ceiling Potential: Sanders has the capacity to emerge as a dependable NFL starter through proper development and alignment. His competitive drive, coupled with his sharp mental acuity, lays a strong groundwork for success in the higher ranks. Considering his current progress and abilities, he is expected to be selected in the late first to early second round, with the possibility of evolving into a cornerstone quarterback for a team.
Playstyle & Scheme Fit: Shedeur Sanders’ skill set translates best to a West Coast offense or a spread system that emphasizes quick, short to intermediate throws and allows him to use his athleticism to navigate the pocket and extend plays. These schemes will leverage his accuracy, decision-making, and ability to process defenses both pre- and post-snap, while also accommodating his need for further mechanical refinement.
Player Comparisons: Daniel Jeremiah recently compared Sanders to Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith. They share a smooth throwing motion and deliver a firm, catchable ball. While both are capable of taking free yards in the run game, neither is dynamic as a ball-carrier. Sanders' ability to thrive in a structured offense and make key plays mirrors Smith's trajectory in the NFL.
Key Strengths
Arm Talent: Sanders has the arm strength to sustain velocity outside the numbers into the deep third.
Short-Medium Accuracy: He demonstrates impressive accuracy on short to intermediate throws, with a knack for placing the ball where only his receivers can make a play.
Decision Making: Sanders’ ability to handle complex defensive schemes and make quick, smart decisions enhances his draft stock.
Where he excels: Sanders is a precise passer with a concise, fluid motion. His balance and weight transfer are exceptional when he releases the ball, showcasing ample arm strength to launch it deep downfield. He demonstrates good timing and anticipation in his throws, skillfully adjusting the pace as needed. Notably, his toughness stands out as he remains steadfast even under pressure, willing to endure hits to make successful completions.
Key Weaknesses
Lower Body Mechanics: His lower-body mechanics and drop-back footwork can be inconsistent.
Be More Decisive: Sanders sometimes struggles with post-snap reads and can be a tick late to process and trigger on route breaks.
Poise Under Pressure: Sanders needs to improve his ability to make plays from the pocket when facing pressure. His tendency to never give in and hold the ball results in far too many sacks.
Improvement Areas: As we anticipate the 2024 season, Sanders must focus on enhancing specific aspects of his game to establish himself as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. One primary concern is Sanders' accuracy when he is forced to throw on the move. While he displays strong pocket awareness, his accuracy tends to decline when he is required to adjust his position before passing. Additionally, Sanders should work on speeding up his decision-making process to minimize the number of avoidable sacks he incurs.
Advanced Data and Statistics
In 2023, Sanders threw for 3,230 yards with 27 touchdown passes to only three interceptions, ranking high in QB efficiency. His completion rate of 69.3% highlights his accuracy and decision-making skills. Sanders faced a lot of pressure, taking seven sacks in the game against Oregon alone. Despite this, he demonstrated resilience and toughness, often standing tall in the pocket to deliver passes. According to Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis, Sanders had a pressure rate of 38%, slightly higher than the NFL average of 36%. While the excuse for his uneven performances last year was that he was constantly under pressure, improving his ability to handle pressure will be crucial, as the NFL won't accept it as an excuse. If he can improve under these conditions, it will be excellent training for the next level.
2025 NFL Draft Projection
Current projections indicate that Sanders is likely to be selected in the first round, although some discussions suggest he might fall to the early second round. While there is a chance for him to rise into the top of the first round, he must continue to make additional progress to reach that level.
Summary Analysis: Sanders has the foundation in place to develop into a solid NFL starter. His mental toughness and competitive nature are significant assets. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in handling pressure and refining his mechanics, Sanders' potential is undeniable. With better protection and continued development, he has the tools to rise into the top ranks of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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