Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from the Colorado Buffaloes, is generating significant buzz as one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. However, not everyone is convinced that he should be the choice for struggling teams at the bottom of the league. Among the skeptics is former New York Jets scout Daniel Kelly, who raises concerns about Sanders’ ability to thrive in the NFL given his college performance.
Concerns About Sanders’ Sacking Rate
Kelly argues that teams like the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants should steer clear of drafting Sanders. His primary concern revolves around the high number of sacks Sanders endured during his college career. “As a former #NFL Scout, it would be an absolute disaster if Shedeur Sanders was the quarterback on the Browns, Titans, Raiders or Giants in 2025,” Kelly expressed on social media.
The statistics speak volumes. According to Kelly, these four NFL teams rank among the top 10 for “most sacks allowed by team 2024,” while Sanders was the most sacked quarterback in college football, suffering 94 sacks over the past two seasons. This alarming trend raises serious questions about his ability to handle pressure at the professional level.
Sanders’ Transition from College to NFL
The transition from college football to the NFL is notoriously challenging, and Sanders’ experience highlights this difficulty. Kelly pointed out that Sanders was also frequently sacked during his time at Jackson State, and this pattern continued when he joined the Buffaloes. “The only thing that changed when Sanders went from the FCS up to a higher level of competition in the FBS is his sack rate almost doubled,” Kelly noted. This statistic is particularly concerning for teams that struggle with offensive line protection.
Sanders’ track record raises an important question: Can he adapt to the demands of the NFL? With a sack rate that nearly doubled upon moving to a higher level of competition, the implications for his future are significant. “Sanders has been a sacked machine in college football, and these four NFL teams have been sack factories. I don’t like the draft math,” Kelly concluded.
Comparative Analysis with Other Quarterbacks
While Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward are both projected to be top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s noteworthy that they may not have ranked in the top five at their position in 2024. Their performance raises questions about their readiness for the professional stage.
One of the critical aspects to consider is how long these quarterbacks hold onto the football. For instance, both Sanders and Ward have been known to wait for big plays to develop, which can lead to increased sack numbers. Sanders was sacked 152 times over four years, while Ward faced 156 sacks in five years. This statistic is alarming for any quarterback aspiring to succeed in the NFL.
Sack Statistics and Their Implications
Shedeur Sanders led the nation in sacks over the last two years, with 52 and 42, respectively. By any standard, these numbers are troubling. Comparatively, Caleb Williams, another highly regarded quarterback, was sacked 85 times in three seasons at Oklahoma and USC. His transition to the NFL has been rocky, as he currently leads the league with 67 sacks in 2024. This trend raises a critical point: how much can a quarterback endure before it affects their performance and confidence?
Interestingly, while Ward was sacked only 22 times in 2024, one of those instances was a critical strip fumble against Georgia Tech that derailed a potential game-winning drive for the Hurricanes. This highlights the fine line between holding onto the ball for a big play and risking a turnover.
Future Prospects for Shedeur Sanders
As the NFL Draft approaches, the debate surrounding Shedeur Sanders intensifies. Will he be able to overcome the challenges posed by his college statistics? Can he adapt to the demands of the NFL, particularly when it comes to avoiding sacks? The concerns raised by Kelly and others are valid, especially considering the high stakes involved for teams that are already struggling.
Ultimately, the decision to draft Sanders will depend on how teams evaluate his potential to improve and adapt. The NFL is a different beast, and while his college performance showcases talent, it also raises red flags that cannot be ignored. As fans and analysts alike watch this situation unfold, one thing is clear: the pressure is on for Shedeur Sanders to prove that he can be more than just a “sacked machine” in the professional arena.
With the NFL Draft looming, all eyes will be on Sanders and how he navigates this critical juncture in his career. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the concerns about his performance continue to haunt him? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the conversation around Shedeur Sanders is far from over.
