Breaking Down Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Strengths, Areas of Improvement, & Pro Projection

Photo Courtesy of Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

By Nate McCray

With the 2025 NFL Draft being less than one month away, NFL General Manager’s and front office executives are finalizing their draft boards attempting to strategically plan out mock draft scenarios that could take place during Round One on draft night, April 24^th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

University of Colorado quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, offers tremendous upside as a 2025 NFL Draft prospect. If I were a decision maker in the front office of the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, or New Orleans Saints, Sanders would be in the mix at the quarterback position of my draft board.  With the Titans having the number one overall pick of the draft, the Browns number two, and the Saints number nine, it is very possible that Sanders will end up being selected by one of these three teams.  As a polished passer with elite football IQ, Sanders showcases poise under pressure, exceptional ball accuracy and velocity, and a quick release that translates well at the next level.

His NFL bloodline, coupled with high-level production in a pass-heavy system, demonstrates his readiness to lead a pro-offense. Sanders also brings maturity, leadership, and a relentless work ethic—traits that elevate locker rooms and set a winning tone inside any football program. With his strong arm, along with improving his resourcefulness to escape pressure with his speed, and ability to read defenses pre- and post-snap, Sanders projects as a franchise-caliber quarterback with long-term starter potential which can lead to success if surrounded by a stout offensive line, a premier running game, and an elite receiving group.  Anything short of what I just mentioned will be a waste of time. I don’t see Shedeur falling below the 10^th pick of the first round, but whoever decides to select him, better have a clear strategy in place to ensure that he is a successful draft pick.

 Shedeur Sanders by the Numbers:

• Name: Shedeur Sanders
• Position: Quarterback
• School: University of Colorado
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 215 lbs.
• DOB: February 7, 2002
• Draft Class: 2025
• Draft Projection: 1st Round (Top 9 pick prospect)

NFL Level Grading Scale: NFL scouts typically use a 7-point scale to evaluate prospects:

• 7.0+: Pro Bowl-level talent
• 6.5-6.9: Day 1 starter
• 6.0-6.4: Potential starter within first year
• 5.5-5.9: Developmental starter or high-level backup
• 5.0-5.4: Backup/specialist
• <5.0: Limited upside

Athletic Traits:

• Arm Talent (6.7): Sanders demonstrates elite arm strength and accuracy. He consistently delivers precise throws at all levels of the field and shows the ability to fit passes into tight windows with his ball velocity.
• Mobility (6.3): Shedeur possesses pretty good mobility as a quarterback. Can extend plays with his legs but could use some speed improvement to assist him with escaping defensive pressure from speedy defensive players from the first and second level front seven.  He prefers to keep his eyes downfield rather than relying on running, a trait that is preferred by offensive play callers at the NFL level.
• Mechanics (6.7): Outstanding mechanics, with compact throwing motion and consistent footwork. He excels at throwing off-platform when under pressure.
• Pocket Presence (6.8): Exceptional awareness in the pocket. Shows poise under duress and the ability to climb the pocket effectively.

Intellectual Traits:

• Football IQ (6.9): Operates with a deep understanding of defensive schemes and pre-snap reads. Adjusts protections and audibles with confidence.
• Decision-Making (6.8): Makes smart decisions with football. Rarely forces throws and demonstrates a willingness to check down when necessary.
• Leadership (6.9): Vocal leader and face of the Colorado program. Teammates rally around him, and he sets a high standard in preparation and execution.

Performance Analysis:

2023 Season Stats

• Games Played: 11
• Passing Yards: 3,230
• Completion Percentage: 69.0%
• Touchdowns: 27
• Interceptions: 3

2024 Season Stats

• Games Played: 10
• Passing Yards: 3,222
• Completion Percentage: 73.1%
• Touchdowns: 27
• Interceptions: 7

Character Evaluation:

• Work Ethic: Sanders is a gym rat and a film room junkie. His preparation and attention to detail set him apart.
• Coachability: Highly coachable with a strong desire to improve. Coaches praise his adaptability and openness to feedback.
• Off-Field Behavior: Exemplifies professionalism. Has no known off-field incidents and maintains a strong reputation for community involvement and philanthropy.

Strengths:

• High-level accuracy, ball velocity and placement.
• Calm demeanor under pressure.
• Advanced pre-snap processing and adaptability.
• Consistent mechanics and footwork.
• Proven leader and winner at the collegiate level.

Areas for Improvement:

• Needs to improve anticipation throws in intermediate areas.
• Can occasionally hold onto the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks.
• Deep-ball consistency could be sharpened.
• Could work on his speed as well. 

Closing Remarks: Shedeur Sanders projects as a Day 1 starter in the right system and NFL franchise with Pro Bowl potential. He possesses elite arm talent, advanced football IQ, and leadership traits that make him a cornerstone prospect. His experience and production at Colorado, combined with his polished mechanics and poise, position him as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Seen as a field general with high-character traits and immediate starting capability and an asset.