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Shedeur Sanders, a highly regarded quarterback prospect, faced an unexpected turn of events as he went undrafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. This marked one of the most astonishing declines for a top quarterback in the league’s history.
The third round wrapped up on Friday night, with five quarterbacks selected, leaving Sanders and his family awaiting clarity on his professional future. Their uncertainty deepened as they observed other players like Jaxson Dart, Tyler Plough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel get chosen ahead of him.
Unexpected Choices Shape the Draft
Experts and fans alike anticipated that Sanders would be picked shortly after Cam Ward was selected first overall on Thursday night. Contrary to expectations, Dart became the second quarterback to be drafted when the New York Giants traded back into the first round to pick him at number 25.
Following that, the New Orleans Saints took Tyler Plough at the 40th pick early in the second round. Furthermore, Jalen Milroe was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round at pick 92, followed closely by Dillon Gabriel at 94, chosen by the Cleveland Browns.
Interestingly, analysts and scouts had projected Sanders to be a much safer bet than Dart, Plough, Milroe, and Gabriel, with early forecasts even positioning him as a frontrunner for the first overall pick.
Sanders’ Impressive College Career
During his time in the Big 12 Conference, Sanders showcased significant talent, throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, leading him to be named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Over 50 college games, he amassed a staggering 14,347 passing yards, 134 touchdowns, and only 27 interceptions.
For a player of Sanders’ caliber to slip out of contention in the first three rounds is exceedingly rare in the NFL, and it raises considerable questions regarding the decision-making process of team executives.
Historical Context of NFL Draft Slides
Over the years, a number of top prospects have found themselves in similar predicaments. Aaron Rodgers fell to the 25th overall pick in 2005, while Patrick Mahomes was selected as the 10th pick in 2017 despite other quarterbacks being taken before him. Even Lamar Jackson, the winner of the league’s MVP award, slipped to the 32nd pick in 2018, being drafted after four other quarterbacks.
However, the scale of Sanders’ slide, especially considering his previous status as a candidate to go first overall, is unprecedented. His situation stands out in the ongoing discussions about player evaluations and drafting strategies.
A Surprise Turn During the Draft
Adding to the drama, Sanders experienced a bizarre moment when he was prank-called by someone impersonating an NFL general manager during a live-stream event with his family. Initially, his demeanor was bright, but it quickly shifted as the caller humorously informed him that he would have to “wait a little longer” for the call he was hoping for.
The circumstances surrounding his draft choice have sparked widespread controversy and debate. Prior to the draft, reports emerged hinting at Sanders’ declining status on various teams’ boards, leading to heightened scrutiny about why teams passed on him.
Criticism from NFL Experts
An anonymous coach shared a harsh assessment of Sanders, stating that his interview was among the worst encountered in their professional career. Among the criticisms, the coach noted issues of entitlement and poor body language as significant factors in his evaluations.
A veteran AFC executive echoed these sentiments, describing Sanders as wanting to control the outcome of his career without taking adequate feedback from those around him. Such remarks reflect a growing skepticism about Sanders’ readiness to transition into the professional league.
Responses from Various Influencers
Even former President Donald Trump joined the conversation, critiquing NFL owners for their decision to pass over the talented player. He emphasized Sanders’ lineage, pointing out the immense sports background of his father, Deion Sanders, and his potential for greatness.
Trump’s remarks highlighted the unusual consensus that Sanders should have been selected much earlier in the draft, further complicating public sentiment surrounding his situation.
Future Expectations for Sanders
Now faced with the reality of waiting until day three of the draft to potentially hear his name called, Sanders appears to be maintaining a positive outlook. Despite the challenges and disappointments he encountered during the early rounds, he expressed gratitude for the journey in a social media post late Friday night, thanking God for his opportunities.
As the draft progresses, observers and fans alike will be eager to see how this story unfolds and what the future holds for Sanders. His talent and skill set have already been proven on the field, and many remain hopeful that he will find a place where he can thrive in the professional ranks.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and share more updates about Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Draft.
