Ain’t no sugarcoating this—Shedeur Sanders is in a bit of a free fall. Just a few months ago, folks had his name floating around top-10 conversations, maybe even higher. Now? Let’s just say the draft stock ain’t exactly soaring. NFL execs are raising eyebrows, scouts are throwing out some wild comparisons, and the buzz ain’t exactly in his favor. But what really got heads turning? Sanders’ latest move ahead of the NFL Combine, a decision that’s got the league talking—and not in the way Deion Sanders would probably like.

Ain’t no doubt Shedeur’s got the stats to back him up—the Colorado flamethrower led the nation in completion percentage (74%), slung 4,134 yards, and stacked 37 tuddies in his last college season. But somehow, that’s not enough to keep him locked in as a sure-fire top pick. According to NFL Rookie and ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Sanders isn’t “the type of QB” NFL teams are craving right now. And an anonymous NFC executive dropped a cold line: “If his name was Shedeur Williams, we’d be having a totally different conversation.” Translation? The last name, the Coach Prime hype—it’s got folks second-guessing if he’s getting a fair shake or if the expectations were just too high from the jump.

The OG Draft Analyst Mel Kiper spilled the tea on Shedeur Sanders’ stance on NFL GMs and executives POV: “After I had those conversations I went back and did a little more checking.. What somebody said—well, you know, Shedeur is not what really we are looking for. The NFL is not really looking for that kind of quarterback. My point here is that I do not buy into the fact that Shedeur Sanders is not an exciting prospect because he is not going to beat you with his legs necessarily. Yet I think on third down, you are in man coverage; he can beat you.” Not a good look is all we can say right now.

One scout sees flashes of Tom Brady in Sanders’ game. Another? Calls him a ‘larger framed’ Teddy Bridgewater. Love Teddy, but Brady to Teddy comp-range is diabolical. That’s the type of split decision that makes front offices hesitant. Some believe he’s got that smooth-pocket presence and elite accuracy, while others are questioning his decision-making under pressure. But what’s really throwing off his draft stock? It ain’t just the mechanics—it’s the whispers about his priorities.

Some teams reportedly got “concerns” about Sanders’ character and whether he’s fully locked in on football. And just when the NFL Combine was supposed to be his time to shine, Sanders pulled a move that only cranked up those doubts even more.

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Combine decision ain’t helping the case

Instead of stepping up and showing off his arm in front of NFL scouts, Sanders has decided to sit out the throwing drills at the Combine. He’ll still take part in interviews, but when it comes to showcasing that live-action talent? Teams are gonna have to wait until Colorado’s pro day. That ain’t an uncommon move—Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye did the same last year. But here’s the thing: Sanders already skipped the East-West Shrine Bowl in January, too. That’s two missed chances to put his skills on display before the draft. NFL teams ain’t the most patient bunch. And missing out on both events has got executives wondering—does he not want the smoke?

Ian Rapoport took it to X. “Colorado QB and potential top pick Shedeur Sanders plans to focus on team interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, allowing them to get to know him better as a person.” And justified with, “he’ll let his four years of film speak for itself and will showcase his throwing at his Pro Day alongside four draftable CU wide receivers.”

Now, skipping the combine ain’t a death sentence—top QBs do it all the time. But when you’re already fighting off skepticism, it’s a risky play. The Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 2 pick, have been eyeing Sanders closely, even scheduling a top-30 visit with him before the draft. But here’s the kicker—without live combine reps, teams like the Browns won’t see him throw until much later in the process. That gives guys like Miami’s Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart a chance to shine while Shedeur watches from the sidelines.

Look, Shedeur Sanders ain’t out of the running. He’s still one of the most polished passers in this draft. And come pro day, he’ll have a shot to remind everyone why his name was once in the top-5 talks. But for now? His draft stock is slipping mad, and skipping these key events ain’t exactly helping. The NFL is all about proving yourself when the spotlight’s on. And right now, Sanders is giving teams more questions than answers. One thing’s for sure—his pro day better be flawless. Because that’s his last chance to silence the critics before draft night. And if he doesn’t? Well… let’s just say that the “QB2 in the 2025 draft” label might start looking more like QB3 or QB4 real quick.