For months, Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most talked-about names in the 2025 NFL Draft conversation. At one point, he was even rumored as a potential No. 1 overall pick. But as the draft approaches, his stock has become a lightning rod for debate. Despite his undeniable talent, questions swirl about whether he is truly an elite quarterback prospect or simply the beneficiary of his last name.
Yet, if there’s one person who has no doubts about Sanders’ ability, it’s his offensive coordinator at Colorado—and former New York Giants head coach—Pat Shurmur. And he’s not just offering mild support; he’s drawing a line in the sand for NFL teams.
“I’ve spoken to all 32 teams—some of them multiple times. Some of those teams should just rent an Airbnb out here [in Boulder],” Shurmur said. “If you need a quarterback, draft Shedeur. If you don’t need a quarterback, take Travis [Hunter]. As my daughter would say, it’s not that deep.”
That’s not just an endorsement—it’s a challenge.
The Shedeur Sanders Debate: Talent or Name Recognition?
Despite putting up elite numbers and proving himself as a highly efficient pocket passer, Sanders remains a divisive figure in draft discussions. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick believes he knows why: the Sanders name itself.
“Shedeur isn’t just facing scrutiny because of his play—it’s because of his father,” Riddick explained on The Dan Patrick Show. “People have been trying to tear certain prospects down for years. But with Shedeur, it starts with Deion. He’s a lightning rod. And that trickles down to his son.”
Riddick, who played alongside Deion Sanders in Atlanta, has seen firsthand how the Hall of Famer’s confidence and charisma have long divided opinions. “People don’t like flashy guys who can back it up. They just don’t. It’s funny—we love confidence in some guys, but in others, we don’t.”
That skepticism has followed Shedeur since he arrived at Colorado. Even before he took a snap, critics dismissed him as a product of his father’s influence. But anyone who has watched him play knows that’s nonsense.
Breaking Down Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Skillset
Shedeur Sanders isn’t the biggest, fastest, or strongest quarterback in the draft, but he possesses the tools that often separate the good from the great.
- Elite Accuracy & Decision-Making – Sanders posted one of the highest completion percentages in college football last season. His ability to read defenses, manipulate safeties with his eyes, and throw with anticipation is already at an NFL level.
- Composure Under Pressure – Despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in college football, Sanders showed incredible poise, making precise throws while under duress.
- Pro-Ready Football IQ – Unlike some raw prospects, Sanders has already shown he can operate a complex offense, adjust protections, and execute quick reads.
Does he have the cannon arm of a Cam Ward or the athleticism of Caleb Williams? No. But as Riddick pointed out, “Do you need a Josh Allen arm to play winning football in the NFL? No. What you need is accuracy, touch, and the ability to process information quickly. And Shedeur has all of that.”
The Giants Are Watching Closely—Will They Make Their Move?
The New York Giants are one of several teams closely evaluating Sanders. With Daniel Jones’ future uncertain and the team eyeing long-term solutions, the former Giants head coach leading Colorado’s offense is making sure his old team doesn’t overlook Sanders’ potential.
But they aren’t the only ones interested. NFL insider Field Yates’ latest top-10 mock draft has Sanders landing in New York at No. 3 overall, suggesting that the Giants might view him as their franchise quarterback of the future.
“The Giants will stay focused on landing a quarterback this week, but that won’t preclude them from examining the draft class at that position, too,” Yates explained. In other words, even if they sign a veteran quarterback, they could still use a high draft pick on Sanders.
What makes Sanders such an intriguing pick? “His ball placement and ability to throw with touch are outstanding traits,” Yates added.
A Draft-Day Surprise? Shedeur Sanders’ Future Remains Uncertain
As the NFL Draft nears, one thing is clear—Shedeur Sanders is one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory. Some see him as a surefire franchise quarterback; others remain skeptical, unable to separate his name from his game.
But if Pat Shurmur and analysts like Riddick are correct, passing on Sanders could be a mistake teams regret for years to come. With teams flying out to Boulder for meetings and the Giants looming as a potential landing spot, Sanders’ draft fate remains one of the biggest stories to watch.
The question is—will an NFL team look past the noise and see the next great quarterback in Shedeur Sanders? Or will his doubters have the final say? The countdown to the draft is on.
