Former NFL general manager Scot McCloughan made a bold prediction about Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and he's not the only one to say something like this.
Speaking on The Pacman Jones Show, McCloughan gave an emphatic endorsement of Sanders’ leadership, talent, and competitive fire — bringing up similarities to Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson.
"He’ll be the best quarterback in this draft,” McCloughan said. “When it’s all said and done, he’ll be the best QB out of this draft."Former NFL GM Scot McCloughan
McCloughan’s opinion carries weight in NFL circles. A veteran evaluator with over two decades in professional scouting and personnel management, he served as general manager for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders. He also played a pivotal role in building the Seattle Seahawks roster that won Super Bowl XLVIII, and was part of the front office that selected Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 draft.
According to McCloughan, Sanders is experiencing some of the same skepticism Wilson faced early in his career. Both quarterbacks were questioned despite clear on-field production. Wilson, despite a successful college career and winning the Orange Bowl at Wisconsin, was viewed as undersized and unconventional for the NFL.
McCloughan believes that the media noise — not tape or meetings — is what was responsible Shedeur's draft slide.
“They did the same thing with Russell,” McCloughan said. “They get caught up in the noise, and said 'he's too short' and we ended up winning back-to-back Super Bowls.”
What may have sealed McCloughan’s belief in Sanders was witnessing his leadership firsthand. He recalled standing on the sideline at a Colorado game last fall and watching how Sanders interacted with his teammates.
McCloughan described a moment when Travis Hunter was throwing his hands up visibly upset after being missed on a wide-open route. Rather than backing down, Sanders pushed back and held his teammates accountable for the way they act.
"[Shedeur] has enough toughness and competiveness to earn his teammates' respect," he said.
For McCloughan, the ability to stay locked in, take charge, and push those around him is what separates future NFL starters from guys who fade away.
McCloughan isn't aligned with a school or media outlet — he’s a scout through and through. He is someone who looks past headlines and focuses on traits and that worked with Russell Wilson in Seattle.
This is an interesting endorsement, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
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