For much of the 2025 NFL Draft preparation process, the expectation has been that Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders would be among the first players selected — perhaps even first overall. But in the weeks leading up to the draft itself, that perception might be changing.
Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Deion Sanders, broke school records while representing the Buffaloes and is a standout player in what is considered a weak class for teams seeking a franchise signal-caller. Even still, the flashy and fun-loving Shedeur is facing questions — perhaps of an unfair variety — about his preparedness for the next level, in light of Deion‘s readiness to “get involved” in Shedeur‘s draft day destination.
Former NFL star sounds alarm bells over Shedeur’s off-field exploits
Shedeur is perhaps the “poster child” of the NIL era, in which NCAA athletes are richer and have more options to leverage their name, image, and likeness than ever before. Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall understands this, and on a recent podcast appearance, the former Denver Broncos standout claimed that teams at the top of the draft do not necessarily like that Shedeur is so active off the field.
“The real question is how many teams pass on Shedeur. I think there is going to be a couple of teams that get that wrong,” Marshall said on “Revolt“. “The reason why is because they’re looking at flair. Nobody wants their QB to be that flashy, to be making songs, to be talking about jewelry and all that.”
Sanders‘ draft range could be anywhere in the top 10, but he has been most closely-linked with the Cleveland Browns (picking second overall) and the Las Vegas Raiders (picking sixth). Both of those teams have longstanding needs for a top quarterback, but according to Marshall, the NFL as an institution is still “clinging” to outdated norms and beliefs about players’ lifestyles and how they should demonstrate commitment to their craft.
Shedeur will be a “test case” for how NFL teams are adapting to the NIL era — and if he goes on to have a good career, players in his mold will usher in a new generation of flair in professional football.
