Shedeur Sanders Downgraded to Undraftable Free Agent

Up until last Saturday, the hype on Colorado quarterback (QB) Shedeur Sanders had about reached a crescendo.

Despite his dad (also Colorado’s head coach) Deion Sanders coming out and saying his son wasn’t probably coming out in the 2024 NFL Draft, the video exchange between them wasn’t as convincing if you watch the look on Shedeur’s face at the end.

However, the 42-6 loss to No. 10 Oregon left no doubt Sanders isn’t ready for the NFL. Not only that, it justified the sixth-round grade I put on him based on my 2022 game film study of when Sanders played at FCS Jackson State.

That’s when I projected Sanders as a candidate for an NFL practice squad – – and that’s exactly – – 100% – – what he looked like against the Ducks.

The level of competition is a key piece of the evaluation puzzle on all the prospects.

What happened against Oregon?

Sanders came out pre-game showing disrespect walking on Oregon’s “O” out on the field pre-game, but all that faded away quickly as he looked uncomfortable from the opening drive on a quick three-and-out.

Colorado’s offensive game film against Oregon is here.

Once again he looked most at ease throwing quickly to his first read in the short-route level as he looked overwhelmed way too often (including showing happy feet) until late in the game when he completed a couple of 20+ yard pass plays.

It was a rough game – – I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Sanders went 23-of-33 for 159 yards (4.8-yard average) with one touchdown and no interceptions. Seven sacks in this game – – bringing the total for the season up to 22 sacks (most sacked QB in college football).

Sanders held the ball too long, which is something that is a huge no-no in the NFL where the average pocket and release time last season was between 2.0-2.9 seconds.

Hung in there against the pass rush

On a positive note, Sanders’ pocket toughness was impressive.

He got hit smack dab in the face on one throw and with that short 6-yard touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter, a pass rusher was closing.

Continuing to lock in

This is another trait in previous games and articles I’ve written on Sanders and it’s his tendency to lock in with targets pre-delivery.

Against Colorado on 33 passing attempts, I charted him staring down receivers 16 times (48%).

He’s was too inconsistent going through his progressions.

Surprising

The biggest surprise of the game was Sanders being off-point with his downfield ball placement and ball security. These are areas I have previously given him credit for doing very well, but even that went by the wayside against Oregon.

Sanders had six disrupted passes when opposing defenders managed to get a hand on his throws.

A couple of other completions were low. Some passes sailed high and out of reach, including one in the end zone in the fourth quarter. He also way overshot one deep in that same quarter.

Continue not to see him as a dual threat

Sanders was able to take what Oregon gave him on the ground, but he is not a legit runner who was beating them on his feet. He didn’t show the pure speed or elusiveness in space.

He had four carries in this game for 45 yards with most of that coming on one 28-yard run of open field in front of him.

This isn’t the second coming of Deion Sanders.

Not on my board

I am moving this Colorado QB from a sixth-round prospect to being an undraftable free agent (UDFA). His good ball placement and ball security were his only prior saving grace.

I’ve seen enough of his unsportsmanlike conduct and what he has put on tape over a sustained period of time. Truthfully, Sanders looks like he is in over his head. I think he should transfer and get out of his dad’s shadow to try to find himself under another college head coach.

He’s going to have to show me a lot – – and improve in these areas consistently to get back on my draft board. His skill set and attitude to date don’t translate to what’s been proven to be successful for quarterbacks in the NFL.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Find him on Twitter @firstroundmock.