Shedeur Sanders, one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s NFL draft, announced that he will not throw at the NFL combine which begins Thursday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Instead, the Colorado star QB will focus on the interviews with teams.
Sanders finished his last season in college with 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 4 rushing touchdowns as well.
He led Colorado from a 4-8 record in 2023 to 9-4 this past season, which was the program’s first winning season since 2020 when they went 4-2 during the Pandemic shortened season.
Sanders will be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft, so it is understandable why he chose to refrain from participating in the Combine’s drills. Instead, he will throw and work out for scouts at Colorado’s pro day, which doesn’t have a set day as of yet.
Not participating in the NFL combine is his right, but that’s rubbed some individuals in NFL circles the wrong way.
But as the son of Deion Sanders, it’s not surprising that he’s chosen to do things his way.
Some feel that Sanders isn’t as good as others believe and that he wouldn’t have the exposure he’s received without his father, who has coached him every step of the way, including at two college programs (Jackson St and Colorado).
But like every other son who has followed in his father’s footsteps, especially in sports, this is par for the course and Shedeur isn’t phased by it.
For quite some time there were doubts that Sanders could perform well at an FBS program. After dominating at Jackson State University, Sanders once again had to silence critics.
Moving up to the NFL will be no different.
Shedeur’s decision is the same made by Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels at last year’s combine. They too decided to showcase their talents at their school’s pro day. Former UNC star Drake Maye also made the same decision.
Regardless, Sanders will be a top-ten pick in the upcoming draft and is ranked as the second-best quarterback behind Miami’s Cam Ward.
While several teams like the Titans, Browns, Raiders, Giants, Jets, and Panthers are all in a position to select him, he has been linked most to the Raiders and Giants.
So while fans and team will be able to listen to what Shedeur says this weekend, they’ll have to wait for another day to watch him in action.
