Shedeur Sanders declines in the most recent NFL mock draft, and the three Texas Longhorns enter the first round.
The landscape of the NFL draft process is always full of surprises and developments. For Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback who had once been pegged as a potential first-round pick, recent mock drafts have shown a slight decline in his standing. However, the conversation around the draft has been as dynamic as ever, with one of the most talked-about stories being the surge of three Texas Longhorns who have now secured their positions as first-round prospects. This dramatic shift in the draft projections has not only shifted the conversation around individual players but also sparked wider discussions about the evolution of college football talent and how perceptions of players evolve as the draft approaches.
Shedeur Sanders: From Heisman Hopeful to Declining Mock Draft Predictions
Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback for the Jackson State University Tigers and the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, had initially been regarded as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in recent years. He had all the pedigree: the football IQ, arm strength, mobility, and a track record of success at the FCS level. His rise in popularity was further propelled by his leadership at Jackson State, where he led the team to several successful seasons, including a perfect season that garnered attention from scouts and analysts alike.
However, as the draft process continued to unfold and as more tape on Sanders’ play was analyzed, his stock began to show signs of decline. While still regarded as a talented player, concerns arose about his transition from the FCS to the NFL. The competition he faced in college football, while impressive, did not fully mirror the caliber of opponents he would be facing in the professional ranks. Many draft analysts began to point out that his numbers, while gaudy, might not translate as seamlessly to the NFL game as initially thought.
The Decline in Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Stock
Several factors have played into the decline of Sanders’ draft stock in recent mock drafts.
- Level of Competition: One of the biggest concerns surrounding Sanders has always been the level of competition he faced at Jackson State, an FCS school that, while dominant, is not in the same league as the high-powered programs of the FBS. Some critics argue that while Sanders looked great against teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), he hadn’t been tested against top-tier defenses that would give a clearer picture of how he would fare in the NFL.
- Accuracy Issues: Another area of concern has been Sanders’ accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep passes. While he has a strong arm, his ability to consistently place the ball in tight windows and make accurate throws in high-pressure situations has been questioned. In the NFL, where defenses are faster and more complex, this could pose a significant challenge.
- Mobile, But Not Enough: Sanders is undoubtedly a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs. However, some experts feel that he’s not quite mobile enough to rely heavily on running, and not consistent enough as a passer to be a pure pocket quarterback. The NFL has seen a shift toward more mobile quarterbacks, but it’s clear that Sanders still needs refinement in his decision-making and timing to be considered a top-tier draft prospect.
- Mental and Physical Maturity: While Sanders has the football IQ and drive to succeed, there are still concerns about his mental maturity. The jump from a smaller program to the NFL is a major leap, and some analysts worry that he may not be physically and mentally prepared to handle the rigors of the professional game just yet. Many are eager to see how he adapts to his next challenge, as he will need to prove that he can handle more complex defenses and make faster decisions under pressure.
Despite these concerns, Sanders still remains a draftable prospect and is likely to land with an NFL team that sees potential in him as a developmental player. However, his decline in the draft rankings compared to his earlier projections is significant, with some analysts even predicting that he may fall to the second or third round, a far cry from the first-round buzz he had initially generated.
The Texas Longhorns Surge into the First Round
In contrast to the rollercoaster ride that Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock has taken, the Texas Longhorns have seen their prospects rise considerably in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft. The Longhorns, traditionally a powerhouse in college football, have long been known for producing top-tier talent, but this year’s class is particularly exciting for the program. Three Texas Longhorns, in particular, have seen their stock soar, and as of the latest mock drafts, all three are expected to be first-round picks. This achievement speaks volumes not only to the success of the players themselves but also to the revitalization of the Texas football program under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
1. Bijan Robinson: The Elite Running Back
Perhaps the most electrifying of the three Texas players expected to be first-round selections is running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson has been a fixture in college football discussions for years, and his talents have made him one of the most highly regarded running back prospects in recent memory.
Robinson is a rare combination of speed, vision, and power, with the ability to break tackles while still maintaining exceptional balance. His 2023 season with the Longhorns showcased his dual-threat capabilities, as he not only excelled in rushing the ball but also demonstrated his skills as a receiver out of the backfield. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns in his final season at Texas and added another 300+ yards as a receiver, underscoring his versatility and ability to contribute in all facets of the game.
What sets Robinson apart from other running back prospects is his ability to impact games in multiple ways. He is a workhorse back who can carry the load for an offense while also being dynamic in open space. In a league that increasingly values multi-dimensional offensive playmakers, Robinson’s skill set has positioned him as a top-tier draft pick, and many analysts believe he has the potential to be an immediate impact player in the NFL.
As one of the top prospects available at any position, Robinson is expected to be a high first-round pick, with many projecting him to be selected in the top 10, which would make him one of the highest-drafted running backs in recent years.
2. Will Anderson Jr.: The Defensive Standout
Will Anderson Jr. is another player whose draft stock has been solidified as one of the most dynamic players in college football. A defensive end for the Texas Longhorns, Anderson is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defensive players in the 2024 draft class. With his combination of size, speed, and strength, Anderson has the ability to change the game with his pass-rushing ability and overall defensive awareness.
Throughout his career, Anderson has demonstrated a relentless motor and a penchant for making big plays. In his final season with the Longhorns, Anderson tallied 15 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and numerous quarterback pressures, showing that he could be a game-changer on the edge. His ability to apply pressure in the backfield and disrupt opposing quarterbacks makes him one of the top defensive players in the draft.
Anderson’s consistency and his rare combination of size and athleticism make him an attractive pick for teams looking to bolster their defensive line and increase their pass-rushing prowess. As one of the most dominant defensive players in college football, Anderson is expected to be a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft.
3. Jalen Catalon: The Game-Changing Safety
The third Longhorn to be projected as a first-round pick is safety Jalen Catalon, who has been a dynamic force in the secondary throughout his career. Catalon is a ball-hawking safety with great range, excellent tackling ability, and the instincts to make plays in key moments. His ability to cover ground and make crucial interceptions has earned him a reputation as one of the top defensive backs in college football.
Catalon’s leadership on the field is equally impressive, as he’s consistently demonstrated the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, diagnose plays quickly, and be in the right position to make a difference. His performances at Texas, especially in high-pressure games, have cemented his status as one of the best safeties available in the 2024 draft.
As a versatile safety who can line up anywhere in the secondary, Catalon’s draft stock has only continued to rise throughout the year. His combination of ball skills and intelligence make him an ideal fit for any NFL defense, and many experts have him slotted as a late-first-round pick, with a potential to go even higher depending on team needs.
