Shedeur Sanders receives vote of confidence from Nebraska’s Matt Rhule amid falling draft stock: “He’s tough”

Matt Rhule argued that Shedeur Sanders has been groomed in such a way by his father Deion Sanders that he can handle the pressure of playing in New York.

Shedeur Sanders receives vote of confidence from Nebraska’s Matt Rhule amid falling draft stock: “He’s tough”

Shedeur Sanders (Image via Imago)

Everyone is intrigued by Shedeur Sanders. He was instrumental in reviving Colorado’s lost pride, yet some still doubt his abilities as a player- Matt Rhule is an exception. The Nebraska head coach is an exception. Rhule believes the young quarterback has the mental fortitude to handle NFL pressure.

The media plays a big part in influencing the draft process every year. Reports right before D-Day hold the power to make or break someone’s football career. Last year it was Caleb Williams, and this year it appears to be Sanders’ turn.

Just two days before the draft in Green Bay, an anonymous NFL executive expressed his disapproval of Sanders. His draft stock was already in a downward spiral, but this leak definitely put teams linked with drafting him on high alert.

However, not everyone out there is gunning against Deion Sanders’ son. A surprising individual has come to the defense of the young shot-caller.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach, Matt Rhule, was impressed when his team and the Colorado Buffaloes played each other in week 2 last year. Colorado lost the game, but Rhule understood that the Buffs had a star on their hands.

I think he’s tough [Shedeur Sanders]. You can quote me on this. This is how strong I feel. He took 12 hits against us. 12 hits. There were 7 sacks. He’s accurate, smart. Sees coverages. Can run if he has to. He’s gone to 2 places that haven’t won and they won.

Matt Rhule told ESPN’s College Football expert Pete Thamel

Although Rhule tried his best to paint a less severe picture of the game, those who were at the Lincoln Memorial Stadium would remember that Sanders took one hell of a beating that day.

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Matt Rhule believes Shedeur Sanders is ready to handle the spotlight at the New York Giants

New York is a demanding place. Fans want both the Jets and the Giants to be in the mix for the Super Bowl every single season, especially the New York media.

Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders (Image via Imago)

However, any avid football connoisseur would testify that both New York teams just can’t get their act together. The Jets haven’t played playoff football since 2010, while the Giants are the serial yo-yo franchise after Eli Manning hung up his boots.

The Jets appointed Aaron Glenn to instill order in the dysfunctional organization. Glenn brought in Justin Fields to take over as the Jets quarterback after discarding Aaron Rodgers into the abyss.

Most people believe the Giants are a better team than the Jets. The only concern is with the quarterback. Brian Daboll has to improve because if he has another disastrous season, owner John Mara will not hesitate to fire him. Rhule suggested that Daboll should choose Sanders because he can handle the pressure in New York.

To me, he’s the guy who can handle the spotlight in New York. He’s the only person raised from [childhood] to know [how] to handle the spotlight. Who are some of the greatest-ever QBs in NY—Broadway…. Joe [Namath of the Jets] and Eli Manning… I would take him No. 3 overall. Without a question.

Matt Rhule said

Shedeur grew up in a house full of athletes who dreamt of emulating their father, and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Prime Time, as he was known back in his playing days, lit up the NFL with his performance on the turf and charmed everyone with his slick attitude.

“Shedeur was trained at the foot of his dad. He’s got a completely different demeanor. The spotlight there is so large. I think he’ll crush it.”

Those are big shoes to fill. Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen invited Sanders for a private workout a few days ago. He wasn’t alone. There were other draft prospects, even quarterbacks, with him. It only points in one direction—the Giants are still unsure whether they will draft a quarterback or not.

Thamel’s colleague, Peter Schrager, unveiled his mock draft on Wednesday. Schrager mocked Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter to the Giants.

A few days ago, it sounded as if it was Carter or Hunter, but the Giants are having fluid conversations all week. I could imagine a host of teams calling if Carter is not a slam dunk. In the end, the Giants passed on Micah Parsons in 2021, instead trading down and taking wide receiver Kadarius Toney. I can’t see them passing on another star pass rusher from Penn State.

Peter Schrager wrote

The Giants should heed Schrager’s words by not passing on Carter because everyone knows what happened to Kadarius Toney. If they are still hung up on drafting a quarterback, then Sanders fits their bill even though Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are hitting the gym in New York together, prepping to represent the four-time Super Bowl champions in 2025.

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