As Shedeur Sanders prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, the spotlight on the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback has intensified. Every move he makes is closely examined, and his latest slip-up has left fans and analysts questioning his preparedness for the next level.

Sanders, son of legendary Deion Sanders, was already making headlines for skipping the NFL Scouting Combine, opting instead to throw at Colorado’s Pro Day with his own receivers. While some saw this as a strategic move, his latest blunder is less excusable-he lost his phone and missed important calls from NFL teams.

For any draft prospect, staying connected with teams is crucial during this process. But for a potential first-round pick, being unavailable to the very franchises considering investing in him is a major red flag.

Shedeur discussed the situation on his 2Legendary podcast, admitting he was unaware teams had been reaching out because he couldn’t find his phone.

“I think my other phone that they have the number for, I can’t find that phone in my house,” Sanders explained.

It wasn’t until the East-West Shrine Bowl that he realized NFL teams had been trying to contact him for interviews, only to receive no response. In an industry where professionalism, attention to detail, and communication are non-negotiable, this oversight isn’t a good look.

Making matters worse, Sanders didn’t seem particularly concerned. Instead of addressing the issue seriously, he joked about it, saying: “I asked my mom, like five times to find it! Whoever finds the other phone, just DM me. How much you think the phone is going for? A lot, bro. That’s a ticket up there.”

While his lighthearted attitude may appeal to some fans, NFL executives may see it differently. Quarterbacks are expected to be leaders, and this kind of carelessness could make teams wonder if he’s truly ready to take on that responsibility.

NFL Fans and Analysts Aren’t Buying It

Predictably, social media was not forgiving of Sanders‘ blunder. Many fans expressed concern over his maturity, with some outright mocking him.

One fan wrote: “You want this guy leading your team?”-a harsh but telling sentiment about how perception matters in the NFL. Another bluntly stated, “I wouldn’t want him as my QB. Smh.”

Others believe this could hurt his draft stock: “I really hope he drops closer to the 20th pick than top 5.”

But perhaps the most damning comment referenced his reliance on his mother to find the missing phone: “So, not throwing in the Combine isn’t that big of a deal. This right here says you’re not ready to be a leader!!”

Skipping the Combine was already a controversial decision, but failing to communicate with teams makes it an even bigger issue. Quarterbacks are expected to command respect, handle pressure, and stay organized-qualities that NFL teams assess long before draft night.

Will This Affect His Draft Position?

Despite the mishap, Sanders has secured meetings with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants-teams that could be looking for a long-term answer at quarterback. While his on-field talent is undeniable, teams might now pause to consider whether he possesses the maturity and discipline needed to lead an NFL franchise.

Sanders still has time to course-correct, but this incident is a reminder that perception matters as much as performance. If he wants to solidify his status as a top draft pick, he’ll need to prove to teams that he’s serious about the responsibilities that come with being an NFL quarterback.