Deion Sanders criticizes Dan Orlovsky's assessment of Shedeur Sanders' prospects in the NFL draft
Shedeur Sanders' recent performance under the spotlight has drawn criticism, even from an adamant supporter like Dan Orlovsky. On ESPN's 2025 NFL Draft coverage, Orlovsky pointed out questionable sacks the quarterback took during games that could potentially halt his early rise in the draft. Irked by the comments, Deion Sanders, Shedeur's father, jumped to defend his son, criticizing Orlovsky for his harsh evaluation.
In the heat of the discussion, Orlovsky clarified his stance, explaining his role as an analyst is to identify both the good and the bad in prospective players. He stressed he has long been a supporter of Shedeur and even went as far as creating a flaws tape for all top quarterbacks, including Sanders.
A fan took the opportunity to compare Shedeur in a different context, asking if another promising quarterback in the same predicament would be handling the same pressure. Orlovsky remained supportive of Sanders, pointing out that his critique doesn't make him a hater, and acknowledges Sanders' strong suits while highlighting areas needing improvement.
Meanwhile, in the first round, it was Miami's Cam Ward who was the first quarterback picked by the Titans, as the Steelers, initially linked to Sanders, surprising many by taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead at No. 21. Thirty picks into the draft, Sanders still hadn't been chosen.
The Giants, also linked to the Jacksonville transfer, selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with pick No. 3 and later traded back into the first round for Jaxson Dart. Fans can't help but wonder what the future holds for Sanders as he navigates the tumultuous waters of the draft.
As Travis Hunter, Sanders' former Colorado teammate, went second overall to the Jaguars following a blockbuster trade, Sanders himself expressed his determination, taking to X to write, "I'm built for whatever today may bring." The drama around Sanders continues as Orlovsky expressed his surprise at Pittsburgh's decision to pass on Sanders.
Keep Up with the 2025 NFL Draft
- Live NFL Draft Tracker 2025
- Giants Draft Pick-by-Pick Analysis
- Jets Draft Pick-by-Pick Analysis
- Shedeur Sanders' Draft Slide: The Never-Ending Ride
What's your take on Sanders' predicament, fans? Join the conversation.
Despite Orlovsky's polarizing evaluation of Shedeur Sanders during the ESPN 2025 NFL Draft coverage, he emphasized his support for the quarterback, creating a flaws tape for all top QBs, including Sanders. Orlovsky later tweeted, "I'm committed to acknowledging Sanders' strong suits while highlighting areas needing improvement, to help him navigate the draft." The sports world eagerly awaits Sanders' draft position as the drama continues to unfold. Join the conversation.
