Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft stock takes major hit after online feud

Sanders odds to be the first pick have plummeted

Shedeur is aiming to be the top pick in the 2025 draftLAPRESSE

In the realm of sports media, a recent online altercation involving Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders and promising college quarterback, has stirred up discussions about its potential repercussions on his NFL Draft stock.

The controversy ignited when Sanders engaged in a heated exchange with former teammate Xavier Smith, a safety from the University of Colorado. Smith had criticized head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father, prompting Shedeur’s defensive response. The exchange, documented in a piece by The Athletic, shed light on tensions within the Colorado Buffaloes football program since Deion Sanders’s arrival as head coach.

According to Smith, players were encouraged to transfer out of the program upon Deion Sanders’s arrival, alleging favoritism towards incoming players during spring practice sessions. Smith, who chose to remain but later transferred to Austin Peay, claimed he was not given a fair opportunity to compete for his position.

In response to Smith’s claims, Shedeur Sanders dismissed him, stating he barely remembered him and dismissed his abilities. This retort, though perhaps intended to defend his father, received widespread criticism for its perceived immaturity and lack of leadership-qualities highly valued in NFL quarterback prospects.

Shedeurs draft odds have already dropped

Barrett Sallee, a prominent figure in college football commentary, expressed concerns over Sanders’s response, suggesting it could reflect negatively on his leadership capabilities. He emphasized the importance of Sanders’s roles as a team leader, the son of the head coach, and the starting quarterback, highlighting the potential implications of his behavior on team dynamics and trust.

The fallout from Sanders’s online feud has already begun to manifest in his NFL Draft prospects. Oddsmakers swiftly adjusted his odds, reflecting a diminished likelihood of being selected first overall. This abrupt shift indicates a change in perception among those evaluating Sanders’s suitability for the NFL, with concerns arising about his maturity and ability to handle pressure situations.

Despite his father’s public support, questions linger about Shedeur Sanders’s readiness for the rigors of professional football. As the NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight intensifies on Sanders, with scrutiny extending beyond his on-field performance to encompass his character and demeanor. Only time will tell how this online altercation will impact his future in the NFL.