Shedeur Sanders Handles No. 104 Colorado State

Colorado quarterback (QB) Shedeur Sanders looked the part passing the ball on game film against No. 104 ranked Colorado State.

He seemed nervous to start the game and his ball placement was off during the first drive. However, he eventually settled down and got his head into the game.

The Buffaloes were in control from the onset and Sanders was only sacked one time (4th quarter). Sanders went 36 out of 49 (73.5%) for 310 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

WATCH FULL GAME HERE

But again, from an NFL perspective, we need to keep the level of competition in perspective. The level of competition is a piece of the puzzle. For example, if I went out and participated in a kid’s flag football game, I would look like a superstar as a grown man. However, if I played in an NFL game, I’d get killed.

Level of competition

Keep that in mind.

The Pat Shurmur Effect on Sanders

Pat Shurmur is Colorado’s new offensive coordinator this season and he has an extensive NFL resume.

The effect that’s had on Sanders is profound.

I’ve evaluated 13 games Sanders played in the past two seasons (Jackson State and Colorado) and he did not look like an NFL QB. Both seasons, I projected him as an NFL practice squad candidate. However, under Shurmur’s guidance he looks much more like an NFL QB this season. That doesn’t mean he’s moved up on my 2025 NFL Draft board (current UDFA grade). It means I can see the affect Shurmur has had on Sanders making him more pro ready.

There are certain things I look for that translate well from the college ranks to the NFL ⎯things like quarterbacks who can go through their progressions (you can see their head moving around making multiple reads prior to throwing), getting the ball out of their hand quickly, downfield ball placement and ball security.

Sanders against Colorado State:

Going through his progressions ✅ (I charted him doing it in 20 out of 49 passing attempts)

Ball placement on point ✅

Ball security ✅ (only one pass defended late in the game)

Sanders was still a little inconsistent getting the ball out of his hand fast, but he did spread the ball around with NFL level arm strength as he aggressively attacked downfield. The thing that stuck out to me most, however, was his poise under pressure. He kept his eyes downfield against Colorado State and delivered with pressure in his face.

That was impressive, but again...level of competition.

Leadership continues to be a question mark

It seems to be a pattern that every time I begin warming up to Sanders as an evaluator, he goes and does something to ruin it.

Leadership is a big deal in the NFL. This is especially true at the quarterback position.

Heading into this game I already had a list (video evidence included) of nine red flag moments for Sanders since the start of the 2023 season. Then he just had to go and show more unsportsmanlike conduct after winning the game against Colorado State 28-9.

WARNING THIS VIDEO CLIP HAS SOUND AND INCLUDES EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

NFL takeaway

Sanders has had two (out of three) what I would call good games by NFL standards throwing the ball in 2024. This game and against NDSU.

However, I have to believe his continued character concerns are going to loom as a dark cloud over his name throughout the pre-draft process.

Sanders just can’t seem to help himself.

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, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.