NFL Teams Call Shedeur Sanders ‘Overrated’—Is His Draft Stock in Freefall?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Shedeur Sanders finds himself back in the spotlight—though perhaps not in the way Colorado fans anticipated.

Despite being one of the most widely discussed college quarterbacks, some NFL insiders remain skeptical about his true value as a draft prospect. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, not everyone in league circles is convinced Sanders deserves the hype.

Fowler reported on SportsCenter that while teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are keeping tabs on Sanders, there is notable hesitation across the league. After speaking with multiple NFL executives, Fowler revealed that four out of those consulted did not believe Sanders is a first-round talent.

One major factor influencing this skepticism is the overall strength of the 2025 quarterback class, which isn’t considered particularly deep. Some executives feel Sanders’ draft stock may be inflated due to his name rather than his on-field performance. With his father being Deion Sanders—a legendary figure in football—the expectations and scrutiny surrounding Shedeur are naturally heightened.

However, that doesn’t mean teams aren’t interested. Franchises like the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints could see potential in selecting Sanders later in the first round, particularly if they plan to develop him behind an established veteran quarterback. Even so, there is no overwhelming consensus that he is a surefire, game-changing leader from day one.

Despite the doubts, it’s significant that Fowler mentioned the Browns (who hold the No. 2 overall pick) and the Giants (at No. 3) as teams seriously evaluating Sanders. This suggests that while some NFL insiders may not view him as a high-value pick, it may not ultimately impact his draft position much. If the Giants have the opportunity, they might not pass him up—assuming he even falls that far.

So, is Sanders a top-five prospect? Possibly. A guaranteed first-rounder? Not according to some league executives. However, given the interest from teams picking early, it would still be surprising to see him slide too far down the draft board.