Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has sparked considerable discussion with his unwavering belief that his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, will be the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This bold prediction, made during an interview on “The Pacman Jones Show,” has generated both excitement and skepticism within the football community. While Shedeur Sanders has undoubtedly showcased impressive talent during his time at Colorado, projecting him as the undisputed number one pick two years in advance remains a subject of debate, considering the unpredictable nature of player development and the evolving landscape of the NFL.
Sanders’s confidence stems from his son’s remarkable performance this season, leading the Buffaloes to a resurgent 9-3 record after a dismal 4-8 finish the previous year. Shedeur’s impressive statistics, including a 69.3% completion rate, 3,926 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, paint a picture of a quarterback who has blossomed under his father’s tutelage. His on-field accomplishments have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback, and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. These accolades underscore Shedeur’s exceptional talent and leadership qualities, further fueling his father’s conviction about his future NFL prospects.
The conversation about Shedeur’s draft position arose when former NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones questioned Deion about the future of both Shedeur and star two-way player Travis Hunter. Deion’s initial response focused on the potential landing spots depending on which teams held the top draft picks, specifically mentioning the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, both currently struggling with 2-12 records. He then emphatically stated his belief that Shedeur would be the number one overall selection, regardless of which team held the pick. This proclamation has intensified the spotlight on Shedeur Sanders, adding another layer of intrigue to his upcoming performances and the subsequent draft process.
Deion Sanders further solidified his conviction by asserting that the Giants, should they secure the top pick, would not trade it away. This statement holds significant weight, as the Giants currently lack a long-term solution at quarterback, having released Daniel Jones earlier in the year. Neither of their current backups, Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock, are under contract for next season, creating a glaring need at the position. The Raiders, similarly, have a quarterback situation that could be improved, with Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew currently on the roster. Neither player’s presence would preclude the Raiders from drafting a potential franchise quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward.
The race for the number one pick remains uncertain, with both the Giants and the Raiders battling for the dubious distinction of finishing with the worst record. The tiebreaker, should both teams end with identical records, comes down to strength of schedule, adding another layer of complexity to the draft order. A win by either team in the remaining games could significantly impact their draft position, as five other teams currently hold three wins and, due to strength of schedule, would jump ahead of both the Giants and Raiders. This adds a crucial element of suspense to the final weeks of the season, as teams jockey for position in the upcoming draft.
As the 2025 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, Shedeur Sanders’s performance in the upcoming Valero Alamo Bowl against BYU will be closely scrutinized. This game provides a crucial platform for him to showcase his skills against a formidable opponent, further solidifying his position as a top prospect. The performance of Travis Hunter, another highly touted Colorado player expected to enter the NFL draft, will also draw significant attention. The Alamo Bowl serves as a pivotal moment for both players to demonstrate their readiness for the next level, validating Deion Sanders’s bold pronouncements and solidifying their own futures in professional football.
