Concerns Grow for Shedeur Sanders as NFL Journey Begins

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Merril Hoge has raised eyebrows with his critical assessment of Shedeur Sanders, the much-discussed quarterback from Colorado, ahead of his entry into the NFL. Hoge, who has built a reputation for candor, voiced his opinions shortly before the NFL Draft.

Despite being projected to be a top prospect, with some predictions suggesting he could go as high as second overall, Sanders experienced a significant drop on draft day, ultimately selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. This unexpected turn became a focal point of conversations surrounding the draft.

Merril Hoge’s Candid Analysis

In an interview with WDVE in Pittsburgh, Hoge shared his insights about Sanders. He began by acknowledging Sanders’ skills but then quantified them in his unique way. “I think the best way to sum him up is, he’s a really good college quarterback,” Hoge explained. He assessed Sanders’ accuracy and processing abilities as average, rating them around a five on a scale of one to ten.

Hoge elaborated on what this means for Sanders’ transition to the NFL. He indicated that both accuracy and processing significantly influence a player’s capability to succeed at the next level. While those attributes form a foundation, Hoge stressed the necessity of further elements such as anticipation and pocket awareness. Without exceptional proficiency in these areas, a player does not typically qualify as a first-round draft pick or a potential franchise quarterback.

Scrutiny of Sanders’ Performance Metrics

Hoge expressed skepticism about the authenticity of Sanders’ impressive statistics. Sanders holds the FBS all-time record for completion percentage at 71.8%, a remarkable achievement. However, Hoge attributed part of this success to the nature of the plays called during Sanders’ college career, particularly arguing that many were screens that lacked depth and complexity. He questions whether these types of plays would translate effectively into the NFL.

Hoge contended that teams aim for quarterbacks with diverse skill sets akin to those exhibited by players like Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud. In contrast, Hoge perceives Sanders as lacking in the attributes that would instill confidence in coaches and organizations, stating, “He ain’t even close, he ain’t even in the ballpark. … There’s some toughness to him I like, but how he moves, he ain’t going to put fear in anybody.”

Pressure of Expectations

One of Hoge’s most concerning statements involved the expectations that come with high draft placement. He warned that Sanders may struggle to manage these pressures effectively, stating, “He can’t handle the expectations that are coming his way. He’s going to be an epic failure, and he’s going to set your organization back another two or three years.” This forecast suggests a bleak outlook for Sanders if he cannot adapt to the competitiveness of the NFL environment and its demands.

However, after falling to the fifth round, some of those burdens may lighten. Sanders still has an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position with the Browns, as neither Kenny Pickett nor Joe Flacco has firmly secured the role. The offseason presents a pivotal moment for Sanders to demonstrate his skills and become a key player for the team.

Competitive Landscape in Cleveland

The quarterback position in Cleveland is now under the spotlight, especially during voluntary workouts and training camps. With young talent already vying for attention, Sanders faces a robust competition for the starting job. The trajectory of this competition will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.

It is worth noting that Dillon Gabriel, another quarterback who had a prolific college career and is the all-time leader in touchdown passes at the FBS level, was also drafted later than anticipated, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft.

Looking Ahead to the Future

As training camps approach, the narrative surrounding Shedeur Sanders will undoubtedly evolve. With every practice and interaction, he will have the chance to shape perceptions, both positive and negative. The early days in the NFL can prove pivotal for rookies, as they often influence careers.

With Hoge’s commentary resonating in the background, it remains to be seen how Sanders will respond to the pressure of his new professional environment. Whether he can exceed expectations, silence critics, and carve out a successful career will be a story to watch closely in the coming weeks.