“Colorado Quarterback Catching the Attention of Top NFL Teams”
In a case of like father, like son, the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, is preparing to transition from his college career to the NFL. Sanders, a standout quarterback in this year’s NFL draft, brings a wealth of experience as a four-year starter at both Jackson State and Colorado. Despite the trend of college athletes quickly entering the professional league, Sanders’ tenure sets him apart as a seasoned prospect.
As Sanders readies himself for the next level, observers are eager to see how his background will benefit him in the NFL. The upcoming Colorado pro day on April 4 presents his last opportunity to showcase his skills to all 32 teams. By opting out of the NFL combine and the Big 12 conference’s pro day, Sanders has let his performance on the field do the talking, setting the stage for a pivotal moment to impress scouts and detractors alike.
With the NFL draft looming, Sanders has piqued the interest of several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints. Each team presents a unique opportunity for Sanders to potentially make his mark in the league, with speculation swirling about his potential destinations based on team needs and draft positioning.
As Sanders prepares for this crucial juncture in his football career, all eyes are on the talented quarterback to see where his future in the NFL will take him.
Consider selecting Sanders if he experiences a drop in the draft on draft day. Positioned towards the latter part of the top-10, the team has been somewhat overlooked as a potential destination for a quarterback throughout the off-season. With the uncertain future of Derek Carr’s time with the team and the looming need for a new quarterback, the New Orleans franchise may soon find themselves in search of a fresh talent in the upcoming draft. The timing of this transition is uncertain, but the Saints have been gradually moving towards a rebuilding phase for some time now. With the recent hiring of Kellen Moore, there is an opportunity to revitalize the team, especially with the departure of Sean Payton marking the end of an era. This marks the first instance since 2005 that Payton or one of his assistants won’t be leading the team on the sidelines. Moore aims to make his mark on the team, and Sanders could be the missing piece needed to achieve that goal.
Moving on to the Seattle Seahawks, who hold the 18th overall pick in the first round, recent acquisition Sam Darnold raises questions about his long-term suitability as the team’s quarterback. The supporting cast in Seattle is notably weaker compared to his previous team in Minnesota, especially following the departure of DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Darnold has historically struggled under pressure, and without top receivers, a solid offensive line, and Kevin O’Connell’s guidance, his tenure in Seattle may not be sustainable. Despite signing a lucrative three-year deal worth $100.5 million, the contract structure allows Seattle an easy exit after the 2026 season. Should Sanders fall in the draft rankings, the Seahawks could potentially secure their future quarterback while providing insurance for Darnold in 2025. This strategy mirrors the approach taken by the Atlanta Falcons last year when they signed Kirk Cousins for immediate success but also drafted Michael Penix Jr. with an eye towards the future. Penix eventually took over the starting role from Cousins and has shown promise to remain a valuable asset to the team.
This analysis was first featured on USA TODAY, highlighting Shedeur Sanders as a strong fit for teams like the Giants, Saints, and Seahawks.