Shedeur Sanders, the University of Colorado quarterback considered one of the top two quarterbacks available in the upcoming NFL draft, has confirmed he will not participate in the on-field workouts at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Sources confirmed to Packed House Sports that while Sanders will not take part in the workouts at Lucas Oil Stadium this week, he will still meet with NFL teams during the combine.
The NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, with quarterbacks scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. On-field workouts for quarterbacks are slated for Saturday, but Sanders will be bypassing the drills in favor of a more familiar setting for his upcoming pro day on the Colorado campus next month. It is currently unclear if Sanders will undergo the medical exams required of all combine prospects.
This decision to skip combine workouts is not uncommon among top draft prospects, who sometimes opt for a more controlled environment during their pro day rather than competing at the combine. Notably, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, did not throw at the combine, nor did Jayden Daniels, who went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Washington Commanders, or New England Patriots’ Drake Maye.
Shedeur Sanders, who is currently rated the No. 1 quarterback on ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board, had a remarkable season for Colorado in 2024. He led the nation with a 74% completion rate, and his 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 318.0 passing yards per game topped the Big 12. Sanders also set an FBS record with a 71.8% completion rate over his two seasons at Colorado.
Sanders’ impressive stats have drawn widespread attention, including praise from his father, Colorado coach Deion Sanders. In a recent appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Deion Sanders made a strong case for Shedeur being the top pick in this year’s NFL draft, highlighting the quarterback’s ability to perform at a high level despite having seven different offensive coordinators over four years at Jackson State and Colorado.
The 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward of Miami among the top quarterbacks vying for selection. Both Sanders and Ward have been training together in the Dallas area under the guidance of quarterbacks coach Darrell Colbert since the end of the college season.
The NFL combine will go on. Shedeur Sanders’ decision to forgo the on-field workouts doesn’t diminish his place as one of the top quarterback prospects. NFL teams will be closely watching him during his pro day next month, as they look to add a talented signal-caller to their ranks.
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