Shedeur Sanders has played himself into the 2024 NFL Draft conversation but according to one draft expert, he could be the headliner in 2025 if he decides to stay at Colorado.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. moved Sanders up to third on his list of top quarterback prospects in the class of 2024, behind Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, per On3, and said he could rise even higher if he waits to declare until 2025.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “Monday Blitz,” Kiper said that Sanders, “right now, is a guaranteed high first-round pick.”
“If he stays at Colorado, we’ll be talking about him next summer like we’re talking about Caleb Williams right now – No. 1 pick guaranteed,” added Kiper.
It’s impossible to argue against his point unless you believe Williams is seriously considering playing his senior year in 2024 at USC.
Sanders has answered all doubts about how his game would translate to the FBS over two weeks. He was outstanding in two seasons at FCS Jackson State, completing 68.4 percent of his attempts while throwing for 6,963 yards and 70 touchdowns with only 16 interceptions.
He quickly answered whether he could play well against FBS competition by setting a Colorado program record with 510 passing yards in his debut against TCU. In Saturday’s home opener against Nebraska, Sanders was 31-of-42 for 393 yards and two touchdowns.
As ESPN’s Jordan Reid notes, his 903 passing yards are the most through an FBS quarterback’s first two games since Mississippi State quarterback KJ Costello (936 in 2020).
He has a major decision looming at the end of the season. While his stock will continue to rise in college, Sanders could find himself in a better situation by declaring after this season.
Instead of going to the league’s worst team (apologies to Williams), he could be drafted by a team that’s slightly less awful.
Of course, he’s already helped turn around Colorado’s awful football program, so what’s one more?
