An ex-Steelers player explains why Shedeur Sanders won’t be successful in the NFL: “He will not instill fear in anyone.”

The 2025 NFL Draft featured several headline-making selections, but few names sparked more discussion than that of Shedeur Sanders. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and the former quarterback of the Colorado Buffaloes, Shedeur entered the draft with a mix of admiration and skepticism surrounding his NFL potential. Despite throwing for over 4,000 yards in his final college season and showing flashes of elite quarterback play, he wasn’t drafted until the fifth round. And one particularly sharp criticism stood out: a former Pittsburgh Steelers player bluntly declared, “He will not instill fear in anyone.”

That statement — direct, biting, and candid — ignited a firestorm across sports media. But what lies behind it? Was it mere harsh opinion, or is there substance to this assessment? In this deep dive, we’ll explore the roots of that comment, evaluate Shedeur Sanders’ strengths and shortcomings, and ask whether he has what it takes to silence his critics in the NFL.

A Star in the Spotlight from the Start

Shedeur Sanders has never played a down of football outside the national spotlight. As the son of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, his every move was scrutinized, praised, or criticized. At Trinity Christian High School in Texas, he was already a household name, passing for over 12,000 career yards. He chose to begin his college career at Jackson State, where his father had taken over as head coach in a historic move to elevate HBCU football.

At Jackson State, Shedeur excelled. He was efficient, poised, and productive. He won the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in FCS and helped revitalize the school’s football program. Yet, some skeptics wondered how his game would translate against Power Five competition.

That question was partially answered when Deion Sanders and his sons made the move to the University of Colorado. Thrust into the Pac-12, Shedeur quickly silenced doubters with a school-record 510 passing yards in his debut. His composure in the pocket and ability to execute under pressure were undeniable.

But the praise came with caveats. Critics noted he took too many sacks, didn’t always sense the rush well, and his mechanics could break down under pressure. Still, he threw for over 4,100 yards, 37 touchdowns, and had a QBR that rivaled the top quarterbacks in the nation. On paper, Shedeur was a surefire top-three round pick — yet he slid all the way to Day 3.

The Harsh Criticism from a Former Steeler

The controversial quote came from a former Pittsburgh Steelers player, who chose to remain anonymous in a conversation with a sports network. When asked about Shedeur’s NFL projection, the player said:

“He’s not ready. People are going to get mad at this, but Shedeur Sanders is not an NFL quarterback right now. He will not instill fear in anyone. You don’t watch him and think, ‘That guy’s going to break us.’ He’s got a name. That’s it. The tape doesn’t lie.”

That quote, particularly the phrase “will not instill fear,” went viral. It was interpreted by many as a personal attack — but in NFL scouting circles, that kind of critique is often standard.

Let’s unpack the meaning behind that phrase. In the NFL, great quarterbacks are feared. Not just respected — feared. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow — these are players who defensive coordinators game-plan around all week. A quarterback who “instills fear” is one who can change a game with a flick of the wrist or by commanding an offense late in the fourth quarter with the poise of a surgeon.

According to this former player, Shedeur isn’t that — at least not yet.

Evaluating the Criticisms

So, does the criticism hold weight? Let’s look at what NFL scouts and evaluators have said about Shedeur Sanders:

Strengths

• Accuracy: Sanders completed nearly 70% of his passes in 2024. He throws a tight spiral and has good timing on intermediate routes.
• Football IQ: Growing up around the game and under the coaching of his father, Sanders displays above-average pre-snap awareness and field vision.
• Composure: Rarely rattled, he maintained calm even in games where his offensive line allowed frequent pressure.

Weaknesses

• Pocket Presence: Sanders took 52 sacks in 2024, a number considered too high. He often held the ball too long, which won’t fly in the NFL.
• Arm Strength: While adequate, his deep ball lacks elite zip, and he’s struggled to throw on the move consistently.
• Athleticism: Not a statue by any means, but he isn’t as mobile as NFL teams prefer in modern quarterbacks.

Many scouts cited concerns with his mechanics when under duress. Others suggested he was too reliant on short throws and bubble screens to pad his stats. But none doubted his preparation or poise.

What perhaps hurt Sanders most were the pre-draft interviews. Multiple teams reportedly viewed him as “guarded,” and there were murmurs he came across as disinterested — not arrogant, but overly reserved. In the ultra-competitive draft process, such impressions can mean the difference between the second and fifth round.

The Deion Factor

Fair or not, Shedeur has had to navigate the shadow and spotlight of being Deion Sanders’ son. That legacy brought advantages — visibility, mentorship, and access — but also pressure and assumptions.

Critics argue that he was often overhyped because of his father. Supporters counter that Shedeur had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. This dynamic was visible at Colorado, where media coverage of the program was unprecedented. Shedeur didn’t just have to win games — he had to prove he wasn’t just “Deion’s son.”

The media frenzy surrounding the Buffs often overshadowed honest evaluation. When the team struggled midway through the 2024 season, pundits were quick to point fingers, and Shedeur was often the scapegoat.

The NFL Fit: Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns, who selected Sanders in the fifth round, may provide an ideal landing spot. With Deshaun Watson under contract, there’s no immediate pressure for Sanders to start. He can develop behind the scenes, adjust to the NFL speed, and refine his mechanics without being thrown into the fire.

Browns GM Andrew Berry called Sanders “a highly intelligent player with great poise,” and noted that “his intangibles were impressive throughout the process.” The Browns will likely bring him along slowly, much like the Chiefs did with Mahomes behind Alex Smith.

The question remains: Can Shedeur develop into a quarterback who not only commands a huddle but changes the temperature in a game? Can he become someone who “instills fear”?

Sanders’ Response and Motivation

Though he hasn’t directly responded to the former Steeler’s comments, Shedeur is no stranger to critics. After being snubbed from Heisman contention in 2023, he responded with a record-setting performance against Utah. When ESPN analysts called Colorado “overrated,” he threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns against USC.

Shedeur has always used criticism as fuel. In a 2023 interview, he said:

“I’ve never cared about being doubted. That’s not new to me. I just keep showing up.”

His focus now will be on proving he belongs at the next level — not as a son, not as a celebrity — but as a quarterback who can lead a franchise.

The NFL has seen countless quarterbacks judged too harshly or too soon. Tom Brady was a sixth-round pick. Dak Prescott was seen as a game manager. Josh Allen was called “inaccurate and raw.” Players develop on different timelines.

The ex-Steelers player may believe Shedeur Sanders won’t be feared — but NFL history is filled with examples of players proving experts wrong.

If Shedeur uses that critique as fuel, he may yet rewrite his story. And someday, that same former Steeler might be watching from home, realizing that the kid he said wouldn’t make it just led a two-minute drill to win a playoff game.

Because greatness in the NFL doesn’t just come from talent — it comes from the fire to prove you belong.