ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. received a ton of criticism online in the aftermath of the NFL Draft for how hard he caped for Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders. Kiper, who has spent over 40 years analyzing NFL Draft prospects, viewed Sanders as one of the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Sanders was widely expected to be drafted in the first round, but what transpired was one of the most shocking draft falls in NFL history. Sanders was taken in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, prompting harsh criticism of NFL teams from Kiper, and, ultimately, a prophetic quote that was brought back to the forefront following Sanders' sparkling preseason debut on Friday night.
"Shedeur Sanders will come back to haunt these organizations that are passing him up," Kiper said.
It only took one game for Shedeur Sanders to prove Mel Kiper correct
You have to figure that Kiper intently watched Sanders' debut for the Browns with a wry smile on his face. The former Colorado legend has a long way to go to become an elite NFL player, but he took a giant first step in the first game of the preseason.
It took Sanders a couple of series to settle in against the Panthers, but when he did, he flashed the arm strength, accuracy, and mental processing that made him such a highly regarded prospect by most draft experts.
Sanders started the game just 3-of-7 for 19 yards, but caught fire in the second quarter, completing 8-of-11 passes for 84 yards and two touchdown passes to Kaden Davis.
Sanders' first touchdown showed his elite accuracy. Drifting to his left, Sanders fit the football into the tighest of windows, in between two defenders and into the back of the endzone for a touchdown. It was a gutsy throw, and speaks to the confidence that Sanders plays with.
On the second, Sanders showed his confidence in his offensive linemen - something that was rocky at best during his time in Boulder - and side-stepped a rushing defender before delivering a strike to Davis for six.
For the night, Sanders finished 14-of-23 for 138 yards and the two touchdown passes. It was an eye-opening performance, for the fans of Sanders and the haters alike. It was hard not to walk away impressed, particularly for the NFL debut of a guy drafted in the fifth round.
Sanders himself wasn't impressed with his own performance. He said he thought he played "okay", but has higher expectations for himself. It's that mentality of never being satisfied that will serve Sanders well as he continues his NFL journey.
He still has a long way to go and a lot to learn. But for now, Friday night was an overwhelming victory for Sanders, his fans, and for Mel Kiper.