Negative reports about Shedeur Sanders’ attitude, leadership, and coachability may explain his unexpected drop in the NFL Draft rankings.
Shedeur Sanders, the highly talented quarterback from the University of Colorado and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, entered the 2025 NFL Draft surrounded by fanfare, statistics, and sky-high expectations. After a standout college career where he put up impressive numbers and brought significant attention to Colorado’s football program, many expected Sanders to be a first- or second-round pick.
Instead, he fell dramatically in the draft, slipping all the way to the fifth round—a shocking turn of events for a player once regarded as a top QB prospect. Analysts, fans, and scouts alike have scrambled to make sense of this unexpected drop. While some cite team needs and draft-day surprises, others point to something less quantifiable: growing concerns about Sanders’ attitude, leadership qualities, and coachability.
A Stellar College Resume
Before diving into the concerns, it’s essential to recognize the resume that made Sanders a top prospect in the first place. In his final season at Colorado, Sanders passed for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, showcasing excellent accuracy, pocket awareness, and composure under pressure. He set multiple school records and helped elevate Colorado into a nationally relevant program, transforming the team from an afterthought into a media sensation.
His poise, arm strength, and field vision made him a natural leader on the field. More importantly, his father, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, brought an NFL-like intensity and swagger to the Colorado program, and Shedeur thrived under that spotlight.
So why did a quarterback with such upside and production fall out of the early rounds?
Attitude and Perception: Confidence or Arrogance?
One of the most discussed aspects of Shedeur Sanders’ pre-draft profile wasn’t his throwing mechanics or game film—it was his perceived attitude. Described by some scouts as “overconfident” or “cocky,” Sanders’ demeanor during interviews, press appearances, and team meetings allegedly rubbed some front offices the wrong way.
It’s worth noting that confidence is a highly sought-after trait in quarterbacks. Players like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Tom Brady all exude confidence. But there is a thin line between self-assuredness and perceived arrogance, and in Shedeur’s case, some believe he crossed it.
According to several reports, Sanders entered pre-draft interviews projecting an air of certainty not matched by humility. He reportedly gave short answers, challenged coaches’ questions, and didn’t express much interest in feedback. For teams looking for a franchise quarterback who can be molded and coached, these interviews raised red flags. Scouts don’t just evaluate physical ability—they assess personality fit, mental maturity, and willingness to grow.
Coachability Concerns
Along with questions about attitude came concerns about Sanders’ coachability. NFL teams want players who are adaptable, open to constructive criticism, and ready to embrace the demands of professional football. Sanders, however, was viewed by some as overly self-assured in his system, resistant to change, and unwilling to take on the mental adjustments required at the next level.
Part of this perception likely stems from the fact that he played under his father, Deion Sanders, at both Jackson State and Colorado. While this continuity undoubtedly helped him thrive in a supportive environment, it may also have shielded him from the tough love and adaptability that comes from having multiple coaches with different expectations.
Teams may have worried whether Shedeur would respond positively to a coaching staff outside his family circle. Would he accept tough criticism from a seasoned NFL quarterbacks coach? Would he be willing to sit, learn, and develop if not handed the starting role immediately? The uncertainty surrounding these questions made him a riskier selection.
Leadership Under the Microscope
As the face of Colorado football, Sanders was often praised for his poise and leadership—especially during close games and chaotic media frenzies. But internally, questions arose about what kind of leader he really was.
Some insiders reported concerns about his interactions with teammates. While he was vocal and clearly confident, was he also inclusive, accountable, and humble? Did he lift others up, or was his leadership style overly focused on his own performance?
There were moments during his college career—on and off the field—where observers noted a lack of composure or frustration toward his offensive line and coaching staff. In today’s NFL, where locker room chemistry is vital, teams weigh these moments heavily. A quarterback can’t just be a playmaker; he must be a unifier. A quarterback with leadership red flags can create instability in an already fragile environment.
The Weight of Deion’s Shadow
Being the son of a Hall of Famer comes with benefits—and baggage. Deion Sanders is one of the most recognizable personalities in sports. His commitment to promoting his son’s career has been clear, from his social media presence to his protective coaching style. While this has helped Shedeur thrive in college, it’s also placed enormous pressure and scrutiny on him.
Some NFL teams may have been wary of the “Coach Prime factor.” Would Deion continue to be an outsized presence in Shedeur’s professional career? Would coaches and front-office staff be forced to navigate the dynamic of managing not only a player but the involvement of a celebrity father?
While Shedeur has repeatedly shown that he is his own man, teams may have hesitated to take on the media circus and potential distractions that could follow his arrival.
Draft-Day Fallout
By the time the NFL Draft arrived, the narrative around Sanders had shifted. He was no longer just a top talent—he was a question mark. The growing chatter around his interviews, coachability, and personality had impacted how teams viewed his long-term potential.
As other quarterbacks flew off the board—some with less impressive college stats—Sanders’ name remained uncalled. Eventually, he was selected in the fifth round, a steep fall from early projections.
This fall doesn’t necessarily reflect his talent—it reflects how much intangibles matter at the quarterback position. In a league where maturity, humility, and adaptability are valued as highly as arm strength and touchdowns, teams chose to prioritize safer bets.
How He Can Rebuild His Image
All is far from lost for Shedeur Sanders. NFL history is filled with players who slid in the draft only to prove doubters wrong. Tom Brady famously fell to the sixth round. Russell Wilson was passed over by dozens of teams due to his height. What matters now is what Sanders does next.
To thrive in the NFL, he will need to:
- Embrace Coaching: Demonstrating a willingness to learn, take feedback, and improve will go a long way in reshaping his reputation.
- Show Humility: Publicly and privately acknowledging that he has room to grow—and actively showing that growth—will earn the respect of teammates and coaches.
- Lead Quietly: While confidence is key, leading with quiet strength, consistency, and humility can shift perceptions.
- Let Performance Speak: Ultimately, performance trumps perception. If Sanders plays well, earns the trust of his coaches, and elevates his teammates, the narrative will follow.
A Story Still Being Written
It’s easy to overreact to a draft slide. But Shedeur Sanders’ story is still being written. He enters the NFL with elite college experience, a strong football pedigree, and undeniable talent. His challenge now is to prove that he can be coached, that he can lead without drama, and that he’s more than just hype.
If he embraces this moment as a wake-up call, he has every tool to succeed at the next level. Many in the football world are watching—not to see him fail, but to see if he can rise above the scrutiny and fulfill the promise that made him a star in college football.
