Shedeur Sanders entered the NFL with high expectations after an outstanding college career at Jackson State and Colorado, where he played under the watchful eye of his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
At Colorado, he rewrote the school record books, throwing for more than 14,000 career passing yards and earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Many projected him as a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, thanks to his poise, accuracy, and ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the move.
Despite his collegiate success, NFL teams weren’t entirely sold on his readiness for the professional game. Sanders slid down draft boards and was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round (144th overall), a surprising drop for a player with such a decorated resume.
When Sanders finally saw action for Cleveland, his rookie season produced mixed results. He completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, displaying flashes of brilliance but struggling with consistency.
His advanced metrics, including expected points added (EPA) and completion percentage over expected (CPOE), placed him near the bottom among NFL qualifying passers, reflecting the difficulties many rookies face when adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
Re-ranking the rookie quarterbacks
Looking at the 2025 rookie quarterbacks after their first NFL season, it’s clear that one year is rarely enough to fully assess a young quarterback’s potential.
At the top of the rookie class is Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward, who led all rookies in snaps and made an impact both through the air and on the ground. Jaxson Dart (Giants) and Tyler Shough (Saints) also posted more efficient passing grades and lower turnover rates than Sanders, highlighting their steadier first-year performances.
Sanders ultimately lands fourth among the rookie quarterbacks, ahead of teammate Dillon Gabriel and several others who had limited playing time. He recorded 10 big-time throws (4.7%) but also 15 turnover-worthy plays (5.9%), a ratio that reflects both his playmaking ability and the inconsistency that comes with a rookie campaign.
His standout performances, including a 300+ yard, three-touchdown game against the Titans, hint at the upside he brings when given the right circumstances.
Sanders‘ placement underscores the challenge of translating college dominance into NFL success, especially in a team navigating instability at multiple positions.
While his ranking may surprise some, it realistically captures his blend of potential and growing pains. With further development and a more stable supporting cast, Sanders could still emerge as one of the standout quarterbacks of his draft class in the seasons ahead.
