Dan Orlovsky faces fans’ wrath for comparing Shedeur Sanders with Baker Mayfield – “This is absurd”

Dan Orlovsky defended Shedeur Sanders after the player was targeted following his comments on the University of Colorado Pro Day.

Dan Orlovsky faces fans’ wrath for comparing Shedeur Sanders with Baker Mayfield – “This is absurd”

Baker Mayfield, Shedeur Sanders, Dan Orlovsky (Images via ESPN/Yardbarker)

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently spoke out in support of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. As criticism around Sanders’ attitude and confidence continues to grow, Orlovsky argued that the young star is being held to a different standard than other players.

Shedeur Sanders has received increased media attention for his flashy style and outspoken personality. Critics have questioned whether his demeanor reflects immaturity, despite his strong performances on the field. The conversation has become a major topic in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Orlovsky compared the scrutiny surrounding Sanders to the praise once given to Baker Mayfield. Both quarterbacks have shown similar confidence and energy, but Sanders’ personality is often questioned in a way Mayfield’s never was.

We can’t praise Baker Mayfield and fall in love with him because of his charisma and cockiness—and then view it differently with Shedeur.

Dan Orlovsky said

Sanders, the son of head coach Deion Sanders, was initially expected to be drafted in the top five before his draft stock dropped. As it stands, there’s still a small chance he might be drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Sanders, in a recent admission, noted that he has spoken with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who confirmed that either Shedeur or his teammate Travis Hunter will be drafted at second.

Albeit winning matches and showcasing he’s got it, media coverage often focuses more on his watches, sideline energy, and off-field image than his football skills. Orlovsky’s comments highlight how personal style can sometimes affect perception more than statistics or wins. Earlier, he had admitted that Shedeur Sanders is one of the most unpredictable presences and a person whom he still has to analyse properly.

Orlovsky emphasized that confidence should not be treated as a flaw. He believes the reaction to Sanders would be different if his name weren’t so recognizable.

If Shedeur was named anything else, would this even be a conversation?

Dan Orlovsky asked

As the 2025 season approaches, Sanders will have another opportunity to shift the conversation. His talent, backed by results, remains the best answer to any doubts about his character or leadership.

Dan Orlovsky’s controversial take on Shedeur Sanders hasn’t been well received by the fans

Dan Orlovsky’s move to compare the young and NFL Draft prospect with Baker Mayfield hasn’t gone well on the Internet. Mayfield had a fair share of cockiness throughout his football career, including planting the flag or grabbing his genitals during the game, amongst others.

Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield (Via Imago)

Nevertheless, Baker Mayfield had the numbers and the proofs to show he only showed what he earned. The 29-year-old played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Oklahoma Sooners, playing one year and three years, respectively.

Mayfield had a record of 38-8 across both teams, with a total of 14,607 passing yards and 131 TDs. He also won the Heisman Trophy in 2017, becoming the first walk-on athlete to win the same.

Considering all of this, fans have majorly criticized the take by Dan Orlovsky.

A few users also noted that there’s enough hate against Baker Mayfield as well. The comments are suggestive that Shedeur Sanders walking the same path as Mayfield won’t be advised.

As days inch closer to the Annual Players Selection Meeting, the tensions are all-time high. It is still not confirmed who will go first. Has Sanders done enough to find him a landing spot on the first day of the Draft?

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