Meh. It’s not the end of the world.
In fact, it’s a privilege to be draft eligible at all — to make it this far on one of the most exclusive and unforgiving paths in sports. Fewer than 2% of college football players ever get a shot at the NFL. Only about 0.02% of high school players make it that far. Just getting your name called — in any round — is already a distinction few can claim.
So when a young man like Shedeur gets this close, let’s be clear: he’s in elite company. Rounds 2, 3, or 4? That’s still the NFL. That’s still living the dream.
Now, there’s a lot of noise right now. A lot of people enjoying the moment a little too much, making jokes, pushing a narrative that Shedeur is somehow a distraction — despite the fact that he’s never been anything but respected, coachable, and trusted inside every locker room he’s stepped into.
Let’s correct the record.
Shedeur Sanders isn’t a problem — he’s a professional. A field general. Calm under fire, especially considering he was behind one of the most overmatched offensive lines in college football. And he even showed them constant respect and pushed them to be better. And they did get better. He didn’t just survive — he thrived, showing elite processing, anticipation, and toughness week in and week out.
His strengths?
- High-level football IQ
- Quick release and poise under pressure
- Excellent touch and timing
- Clutch decision-making
- Commanding presence in the pocket
His weaknesses? Some say he needs to improve when plays break down or be more consistent under duress — but context matters. And growth is part of every NFL QB’s journey.
Let’s also be honest about the draft: teams make picks based on needs, not just talent. They prioritize schemes, fit, short-term upside, and sometimes get tunnel vision. And that’s how you see teams pick in ways that leave generational talent sitting on the board. It’s rarely personal — but sometimes, it’s simply wrong.
Still, the greats don’t fold — they fuel up. The chip gets bigger. The work gets sharper.
And Shedeur Sanders would be far from the first elite QB to come off the board later than expected. In fact, he’s following in some incredible footsteps:
- Tom Brady – 6th round (2000): 7× Super Bowl champion, 3× MVP
- Drew Brees – 2nd round (2001): Super Bowl champion, 13× Pro Bowl
- Russell Wilson – 3rd round (2012): 2× Super Bowl appearances, 9× Pro Bowl
- Ryan Fitzpatrick – 7th round (2005): Nearly two-decade career, “FitzMagic” moments
- David Garrard – 4th round (2002): Pro Bowler, playoff run with Jaguars
- Tyrod Taylor – 6th round (2011): Pro Bowl QB, respected veteran
- Colin Kaepernick – 2nd round (2011): Took 49ers to a Super Bowl
- Jalen Hurts – 2nd round (2020): 2024 Super Bowl MVP, MVP runner-up
- Dak Prescott – 4th round (2016): Multiple 4,000+ yard seasons, 2× Pro Bowl
- Kirk Cousins – 4th round (2012): Multiple Pro Bowls, consistent starter
- Tony Romo – Undrafted (2003): 4× Pro Bowl, face of the Cowboys for a decade
- Derek Carr – 2nd round (2014): 4× Pro Bowl, franchise leader
- Andy Dalton – 2nd round (2011): 3× Pro Bowl, playoff appearances
- Matt Schaub – 3rd round (2004): 2× Pro Bowl, 2009 passing leader
- Jimmy Garoppolo – 2nd round (2014): Super Bowl appearance, proven starter
- Brock Purdy – 7th round (2022): NFC title run, Super Bowl LVIII starter
The draft isn’t the final word. It never has been. It’s just the beginning.
So when people ask about Shedeur Sanders, remind them: greatness doesn’t always start with a first-round handshake. Sometimes, it starts with a little doubt, a long memory, and a point to prove.
He’s going to be just fine. Actually — he might be legendary.