What is Shedeur Sanders’ NFL draft projection? Predicting the round when the Colorado Buffaloes’ QB will be picked

The standout quarterback for Colorado is building hype around him, not only for his on-field performances but also for some off-field concerns that may affect his NFL draft stock as the college football season progresses. Shedeur Sanders is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects for the next 2025 NFL draft.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound passer returned for his second season at Colorado after throwing 27 touchdown passes and rushing for four scores in 2023. He then opened 2024 with four touchdown throws and one interception in a 31-26 win over North Dakota State.

With NFL teams known for overanalyzing prospects, every action Sanders takes is being closely dissected, leading some to question whether he will still be considered a top-five pick.

What’s Sanders’ NFL draft projection?

Sanders’ talent is undeniable, drawing comparisons to other top prospects like Caleb Williams. Sanders is a highly skilled passer with precision and a strong arm. Evaluating him has been challenging due to the poor performance of the Colorado offensive line, but given time and space, he can dismantle any defensive scheme.

A few recent instances have raised eyebrows, particularly his comments after a costly pick-six. Instead of taking full responsibility, it appeared as though Sanders might have blamed his receiver. This has led to discussions about his leadership and accountability, qualities that NFL teams hold in high regard.

In the NFL, how a player handles adversity is crucial. Sanders’ post-game remarks, which included criticisms of his offensive line and play-calling, could damage his draft standing. Additionally, a controversial moment occurred when Sanders left the sideline with two minutes left in a game, raising further questions about his decision-making.

Draft analysts and scouts had conflicting views about where to place him in the overall rankings, with some suggesting he should be picked between the 5th and 9th position in Round 1. There is also a divided opinion on whether he should be the top or second option for teams looking for a quarterback.

Despite these uncertainties, Sanders’ exceptional natural talent keeps him in the conversation as a top prospect. As the season progresses, he will need to demonstrate his ability to lead both on and off the field in order to cement his position as a top draft pick. Whether his potential outweighs these concerns will depend on his performance in the upcoming weeks, and his first chance is against Baylor next Saturday