Colorado football QB Shedeur Sanders deemed potential top-three 2025 NFL draft pick, draws Geno Smith comparison
Colorado football QB Shedeur Sanders has top-three 2025 NFL draft pick potential according to Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings -- who compared Shedeur to current Seattle Seahawkd QB1 and two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith.
"No QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft has more fanfare than Shedeur Sanders," Cummings prefaced before saying, "That’s what comes with being not only the son but the premier 2023 transfer signing of former Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes didn’t meet expectations after a hot start in 2023, but Sanders held up on his end, despite having very little help from his offensive line. Over 12 games, Sanders completed 298 of 430 attempts for 3,230 yards, 27 TDs, and just three INTs.
"Sanders’ lack of clean pockets made him skittish with his mechanics down the stretch at times, but with his smooth athleticism, crisp accuracy and touch, and easy arm talent, Sanders has drawn comparisons to Seahawks Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith. With any luck, an improved offensive line in 2024 can help Sanders hit the next level as a prospect — because he has the talent to be a top-three pick."
Colorado football QB Shedeur Sanders must land with right NFL franchise to avoid slow start Geno Smith had to his career
It took Smith nearly a decade before finding his footing in the NFL, and a big reason why was because he ended up on the New York Jets. A shoulder injury ended Mark Sanchez's 2013 season before it started, thrusting Smith into the spotlight. When Rex Ryan was replaced by Todd Bowles' in Smith's third season, the ball was handed to Ryan Fitzpatrick. Even after leaving the Jets, Smith stayed in New York and became an unpopular figures after Ben McAdoo benched Eli Manning and ended his consecutive starts streak for the former West Virginia star.
Smith backed up Russell Wilson for several years in Seattle before he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022, and it was only then that the world saw what Smith can do. Since becoming the Seahawks' QB1, Smith has had two winning seasons, and he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year his first year as the starter.
In order for Shedeur to skip the nine-year wait before becoming a solidified starter, he needs to land with the right team; with personnel and schemes being make-or-break for his development. The Denver Broncos are an obvious option, but wherever he ends up, organizational stability will determine how quickly Shedeur transitions to the pros.