Spotlight on Shedeur Sanders: What’s got NFL analyst Todd McShay so excited?

Irrespective of how some football fans view Shedeur Sanders, analyst Todd McShay believes the former Colorado quarterback has all the tools to be a traditional NFL quarterback.

Spotlight on Shedeur Sanders: What’s got NFL analyst Todd McShay so excited?

Shedeur Sanders and Todd McShay (Image via IMAGO/X)

Shedeur Sanders set college football on fire with his deep balls and flamboyant persona. His presence and confidence on the ball got football fans eager to see him in an NFL jersey.

On the flip side, Sanders has had a Taylor Swift-esque effect on some fans. Sanders’ confidence in his abilities as a football player comes off as arrogant rather than boasting genuine talent.

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NFL analyst for the Ringer Todd McShay, in a segment of his podcast, argued that the 23-year-old is bound to attract attention because of the name at the back of his jersey.

I like the guy off the field; I like the guy, how he carries himself. I think [Shedeur] is ready for all this, and I don’t worry about any other stuff… Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the business is, he’s coach Prime’s [Deion Sanders] son. They are on every commercial, every Saturday, and they are everywhere in the media, so everyone’s intrigued… If his name was different, I don’t think we’d have this much attention on him.

Todd McShay said via the Ross Tucker Podcast’s X account

Sanders’ popularity reached its peak after he led the Buffaloes to a bowl appearance for the first time since 2016. Draft specialists viewed him as a top 3 pick. However, he has lost ground in the past couple of weeks. So, does that mean he doesn’t have the talent to cut it in the league?

[Shedeur Sanders] is a really good football player who does not have an elite physical trait. Once scout joked around that he’s got his mom’s speed. He doesn’t have this rifle arm, he’s not the biggest gut. But what he does have and it translates really well to the NFL… I think he has the fastest processor [of play] of these quarterbacks.

Todd McShay said

Todd McShay sees the Cleveland Browns drafting Shedeur Sanders

Sanders is among the best quarterbacks in the draft. He wants to be No. 1, but the Tennessee Titans, who pick first, are interested in selecting Miami’s Cam Ward. The Browns and Giants are leaning toward Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter.

Spotlight on Shedeur Sanders: What’s got NFL analyst Todd McShay So Excited?
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

However, McShay believes the Browns are still in play to draft Shedeur Sanders.

[Browns head coach] Kevin Stefanski, I think, would have an awesome time with Shedeur Sanders because Kevin’s won with those guys. Kevin’s used to fast processors, precision, play on time, I’ll get to you on time, I know you can do that, and I don’t need that huge arm. I don’t need mobility, because I like guys that are going to carve people up.

Todd McShay said

Despite the optimism, it’s hard to picture Sanders in Cleveland. Earlier this week, they signed veteran Joe Flacco, who returns to the Browns after a year with the Colts. Flacco signed a one-year $4 million contract, which could rise to $13 million.

Former first-rounder Deshaun Watson is still on the roster and wants to prove his doubters wrong.

Everyone don’t believe in me. Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself. The peace that I’ve been channeling the last couple of months. I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.

Deshaun Watson said

Watson is unlikely to play any snap in 2025 as he is recovering from injury.

The Browns also traded for Super Bowl winner Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles. Pickett sees himself as a starter.

I do view myself as a starter. All you want is an opportunity. It doesn’t matter who else is in the room. All you can ask for is an opportunity, then you’ve got to go handle the rest.

Kenny Pickett said

The Browns quarterback room is loaded with experienced players, and in light of the situation, general manager Andrew Berry may stick with taking Hunter instead. If they draft Shedeur Sanders at 2, then he has to be patient to get a shot for at least a couple of years, or if someone from the three ahead of him gets hurt.

Sanders can certainly take on the pressure of being the starting quarterback in Cleveland. During his final year of college football, Sanders led the FBS with a 74% pass completion rate, throwing 37 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions.

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