Shedeur Sanders remains one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the upcoming draft class, with his playstyle sparking both amazement and doubt among scouts and analysts. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback voiced strong concerns about the Colorado Buffaloes‘ signal-caller.
While Sanders has showcased his confidence on his game, and continues to make it clear he’s used to being scrutinized, as Draft Day looms closer every critic could become a burden for Shedeur’s stock.
According to most reports and mock drafts, Sanders would be the second quarterback taken off the board, with Miami’s Cam Ward being ahead of him. Regardless, according to NFL Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner, there is one big elephant in the room when it comes to Shedeur’s game-tape.
“I felt in the last four games that Shedeur was very uneasy in the pocket,” Warner admitted about Sanders, via On3. “Very seldom did I see him strong in the pocket and get back and set and read and deliver the ball. It was almost like he was always uneasy back there.”
Was Sanders affected by his surroundings?
Sanders and the Buffaloes didn’t have the strong finish to their NCAA season as they expected, as they missed out on the Big 12 Championship and the playoffs. Warner’s message could help paint the picture and better understand the root for some of Shedeur and Colorado’s struggles.
“It was kind of [drop] back, see the first guy, and get uneasy and try to create a throw,” Warner said. “As opposed to just playing the game. So, that’s a concern for me, but is that something was only because of the situation, only because of the offensive line and he can be more solid in the pocket and he can work through things and not get impatient in the pocket?“
Warner addresses Sanders’ throwing
It often takes another quarterback to fully grasp the complexity of the position, and Warner’s insights into Sanders’ playing style help explain what makes a signal-caller stand out from the pack. Especially as a talented prospect looks to make the quality jump from college football to the NFL.
“I will agree that Shedeur may throw the best ball,” Warner admitted. “And what I mean by that is the most catchable, the most accurate ball of all of these guys. I love that he can place the ball, but he never, you know, whether it’s because of arm strength or whatever, he never throws it hard.
“He never has to throw it through you. So, I like that aspect of things. I like guys that understand how to make different throws. He’s got great touch. I think he throws a really good deep ball. All of those things.”
Although Warner’s journey to the NFL was unlike any other, he won a Super Bowl with an electric St. Louis Rams team, dubbed the Greatest Show on Turf. Warner finished his NFL career with a 1-2 record in the Super Bowl and 2 MVPs.