Shedeur Sanders is one of the most popular names we hear everywhere as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Although Cam Ward is also regarded to be a top quarterback prospect of the class, NFL analyst Bryant McFadden believes that Sanders has all the tools to be the first quarterback off the board.
Bryant McFadden Advocates for Shedeur Sanders
McFadden, who was selected by the Pittsburg Steelers during the 20025 NFL Draft, has been an outspoken advocate of his position. He is insisting that Sanders does not fall on draft boards based on unsubstantiated issues during the NFL Scouting Combine. CBS Sports reports that he is firmly convinced that the play of Sanders on the field is louder than any perceived fault.
"If Tennessee selects Cam Ward, I'm ok with that, but Shedeur should not drop at all. These false narratives that we've seen associated with Shedeur Sanders' name don't make any sense," McFadden said.
"How can a player lose draft leverage when the season is over? I thought we watched tape. I thought you dissect game in and game out -- either live action or just watch the tape," he added.
Sanders' Deep Passing Ability
Opponents of Shedeur Sanders habitually reference his supposed inability to have elite arm strength, but McFadden dispels that myth. He points out Sanders has demonstrated he can complete deep passes with precision.
Tru Media reports that Sanders performed well on throws of 15 or more air yards, going 51 of 104 for 1,529 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.
When asked to push the field past 25 air yards, Sanders was 23 of 50 for 833 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions. While the Big 12 is an easier scene than the NFL, this suggests that Sanders possesses the talent to make big plays down the field.
Dealing with Adversity on Limited Support
Perhaps the strongest argument for Sanders is that he was able to succeed with a poor supporting cast. McFadden observes that Sanders consistently played at a high level even in the absence of offensive line protection and a nonexistent running game.
Drawing Parallels between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders
Miami standout Cam Ward possesses a strong arm, athleticism, and the ability to make plays outside the pocket. Sanders' capacity to read defenses, throw accurately under duress, and perform well under adverse conditions, though, makes him an interesting QB1 candidate.
Sanders' leadership and poise also make him stand out. He proved himself to be tough mentally in big-game situations, displaying the mental fortitude required to excel at the next level. While Ward's pure talent cannot be denied, Sanders' intangibles could be the difference-maker in the eyes of NFL franchises seeking a franchise quarterback.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is also on the same page with McFadden. According to Fox Sports, the 2011 Hall of Famer hopes that the New York Giants will land Sanders as their no. 1 pick.
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