Daniel Oyefusi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN. Prior to ESPN, he covered the Miami Dolphins for the Miami Herald, as well as the Baltimore Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.
FRISCO, Texas — Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders said Saturday he is unsure if he will throw at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis next month.
Sanders is attending the East-West Shrine Bowl but will not participate in practice or in the game Thursday. He was at the West team’s first practice at the University of North Texas on Saturday morning but stood on the field, watching the other prospects.
While Sanders won’t conduct any on-field work at the Shrine Bowl, he reiterated his belief that he’s worthy of being the top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He has been training in the Dallas area with former Miami‘s Cam Ward, another top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft.
“We changed the program at Jackson [State University],” Sanders said. “We went to Colorado, changed the program. And we did everything people didn’t think we were able to do. So, that’s why I know I’m the most guaranteed risk you can take.”
Sanders met with multiple teams Friday, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, who hold the first three picks in the draft, respectively. The Titans met with Sanders for 45 minutes.
“I like that I’m able to get in the forefront of everything and they’re able to understand me and ask me whatever questions they want,” Sanders said. “I’m not ducking. I ain’t hiding. I’m right here, live in the flesh and able to answer whatever questions are out there.”
While Sanders is confident in his worthiness as the first overall pick, he said he would be “thankful for whatever situation and whoever drafts me. I know I’ll be able to change their program.”
Asked what he will bring to a team, Sanders smiled and said, “A lot of wins.”
ESPN’s Turron Davenport contributed to this report.
Shedeur Sanders, the highly-touted quarterback prospect and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is facing a tough decision ahead of the NFL combine. The talented signal-caller has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the field, but he is unsure if he will throw at the upcoming combine.
Sanders has been training hard in preparation for the combine, but he is reportedly dealing with a minor injury that could affect his ability to showcase his throwing skills. While some scouts believe that Sanders should rest and recover in order to perform at his best in front of NFL teams, others feel that he should push through and compete at the combine.
Regardless of his decision, Sanders remains a top prospect in this year’s draft class and is expected to draw significant interest from NFL teams. Stay tuned for updates on whether Sanders will ultimately decide to throw at the combine and how it may impact his draft stock.
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said he doesn’t think Colorado head coach Deion Sanders would intervene if they decided to draft his son, Shedeur Sanders, one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class.
“Shedeur is a really impressive young man,” Berry said. “He’s poised, he’s calm, he’s smart and you can tell that he’s been raised by — quite honestly — a Hall of Fame dad. We’re going to get to know him even more over the course of the spring, but he’s really impressive.”
Since declaring for the draft, Shedeur Sanders has faced questions about his father’s involvement in the process. He told reporters at the East-West Shrine Bowl that he didn’t think having parents involved was a bad thing. Sanders said his father, Deion, called him several times to check in during Shrine Bowl week.
“He kept calling me,” Sanders said. “I told him at the end, it’s over with. I have to soar on my own.”
Last week in Arlington, Texas, Sanders met with the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Browns — the teams that hold the top three picks in the draft and are in the market for a quarterback.
The Browns currently have just two quarterbacks under contract in 2025 — Deshaun Watson, who might not be able to play this coming season after re-tearing his Achilles, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Watson, 29, just finished his third season with Cleveland after signing a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal in March 2022. He has started 19 games since the blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans.
Required reading
(Photo: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns are not worried about potential interference from NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders if they choose to draft his son, Shedeur Sanders, in this year’s draft.
Despite Deion’s close relationship with his son and his involvement in his football career, the Browns are confident that they can make an independent decision based on Shedeur’s talent and fit within their team.
“We respect Deion Sanders and his legacy in the NFL, but ultimately our draft decisions are based on what is best for our team,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry. “We believe Shedeur is a talented player who could contribute to our organization, and we will make the best choice for our team regardless of any external influences.”
While Deion Sanders has been vocal in his support for his son and desire to see him succeed in the NFL, the Browns are focused on evaluating Shedeur’s abilities and potential as a player. They are prepared to make a selection that aligns with their team’s needs and goals, regardless of any concerns about Deion’s involvement.
With the NFL draft quickly approaching, the Browns are staying focused on their scouting and evaluation process, confident in their ability to make the right choice for their team’s future.
FRISCO, Texas — Shedeur Sanders’ impact on the East-West Shrine Bowl was felt, even though the University of Colorado quarterback did not practice or take part in anything outside of meetings with quarterback-needy teams at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
There was an unusual flood of media to the Shrine Bowl this year, cementing Sanders’ status as one of the best and more fascinating players, a likely top-five pick in this year’s draft class. Long gone are the days of this game being filled with players who would just hope to be considered for a roster spot in the NFL — now there are legitimate prospects, Sanders aside, who want to come and showcase their talents on the field.
While Sanders feels like he has taken a leap on the field recently, there’s also the looming, enormous fact that he has been in the spotlight for a long time largely because of his family. Stepping into the life of a highly drafted quarterback is different from where he’s been, but the idea of fame being new doesn’t apply here. Being the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders has given him a clear answer on how he feels the pressures of being an NFL quarterback.
“I don’t,” Sanders said bluntly to Yahoo Sports. “That’s why the pressure doesn’t faze me. That’s why no situation would ever faze me. That’s why I know I’m the most guaranteed risk you can take.”
Shedeur Sanders has been preparing to be an NFL quarterback for a long time. (Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
Sanders’ background is well-known. He’s the third of Deion Sanders’ sons to play high-level Division I football. Shedeur’s football journey took him from Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, Texas, then Jackson State University before ending up at the University of Colorado. His father has been there for every step of his football journey as either a head coach or offensive coordinator, but the NFL will be a different challenge. With the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, instead of Deion Sanders, Shedeur will be taking the first step of his football journey on his own.
That didn’t seem to bother Shedeur when asked about it, which makes sense. He should be confident in his abilities as a Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and Johnny Unitas Award winner. His father may have played a big role in his life, but ultimately, they’ve seen this through together and have reached the point where Shedeur can fulfill a lifelong dream of being an NFL player.
“I didn’t know that your parents being involved and wanting the best for you was a problem,” Sanders said to reporters at the Shrine Bowl. “The fact he was able to help me become the best quarterback in the country — he’s supposed to do that.”
And Sanders did, unequivocally, become one of the best quarterbacks in college football. At Jackson State, he started 26 games and threw for 6,963 yards, 70 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and had a 23-3 record — and he won the Jerry Rice Award in 2021 as the best player in FCS. At Colorado, the Buffaloes went 13-11 over his two seasons there, but he threw for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and was part of turning the program as a whole in the right direction.
The road to get to this point was incredibly manicured, but it’s led him here nonetheless.
As an NFL Draft prospect, Sanders has fairly standard skills for a starting quarterback. He’s hovering around 6-foot-2, has good accuracy and the baseline arm strength needed to be considered a player teams would draft high. There are really only two players who are being considered potential franchise QB talents at the top of the draft this year: Sanders and former Miami quarterback Cam Ward.
“We’re friends, we’re friends,” Sanders said with a smile. “A lot of people in the media try to pit us against each other, but we’re family and friends first and foremost.”
Where those two players separate themselves in the eyes of teams will be one of the more interesting stories in the lead-up to the draft. While Ward can be a bit of a loose cannon on the field with some impressive highs physically, Sanders’ game isn’t quite as explosive, which has allowed him to develop the skills needed to be a top of the line quarterback prospect. Sanders also had the benefit of being coached by former NFL head coach and offensive play-caller Pat Shurmur, who is Colorado’s offensive coordinator.
Sanders gave Shurmur credit for where his game is right now in terms of his understanding of football.
“Coach Shurmur, he was the best thing that could’ve happened to the end of my college career,” Sanders told Yahoo Sports. “The way he went about his business is exactly how it is here, so he’s definitely true to who he is and he’s true to the process and what this league is made of. I’m just thankful for him.”
Even though Shurmur may not have had the most decorated NFL career, his experience is something a lot of college players don’t have access to in college. In terms of specific things that he learned with Shurmur, Sanders said that being able to handle pass protections better compared to earlier in his career has been a big win over the past season.
“He helped me dive into the protections and just cleaning up a lot of stuff with my game,” Sanders said. “That’s why I’m thankful I was able to end my college career with him.”
Sanders clearly has all the confidence in the world needed to take on this new challenge that he’s been training for his whole life for. Now it’s time to execute.
“It’s year by year,” Sanders said. “God will make sure I’m prepared each and every year, each and every year preparing for the next steps for the next things that are coming in life. Everything has happened for a reason and everything has happened for a purpose and I was just thankful that I was able to go through this process with my dad and with my family.”
Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has been in the spotlight for most of his life. From his days as a highly recruited high school quarterback to his time at Jackson State University, where he followed in his father’s footsteps as a star player, Shedeur has always been comfortable under the bright lights.
Now, as he prepares for the next chapter in his football career, Shedeur is ready to make his mark on the NFL. In a recent interview, he expressed his confidence in his abilities and his readiness to take on the challenge of playing at the highest level.
“I’m the most guaranteed risk you can take,” Shedeur said. “I know what I bring to the table, and I’m ready to show the world what I can do on the biggest stage.”
With his combination of talent, work ethic, and pedigree, Shedeur is sure to turn heads in the NFL. As he continues to train and prepare for the upcoming draft, all eyes will be on this young star as he looks to make his mark on the league. Stay tuned for Shedeur Sanders’ NFL moment – it’s sure to be one for the ages.
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Shedeur Sanders, NFL, football, spotlight, guaranteed risk, NFL draft, quarterback, college football, Deion Sanders, Prime Time, athlete, NFL debut, NFL career.
Twenty-one years ago, the Giants drafted a quarterback from Mississippi — Eli Manning — and he wound up bringing them two Super Bowl championships.
Now, they need a franchise quarterback again. Could they find that guy at Ole Miss?
Well, if they do, it would be a much bigger surprise than what Manning accomplished. But Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart — who, like Manning, was a three-year college starter — is generating some buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
Remember, the Giants draft third, behind two quarterback-needy teams (Titans and Browns). So Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward could both be gone by No. 3. If that happens, what might Giants general manager Joe Schoen do?
He would have a few options, depending on how he addressed quarterback in free agency (or via a trade). But if he picks a non-Sanders/Ward quarterback at No. 3, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe might be in the mix. He is Pro Football Focus’ fourth-rated quarterback in this draft, behind Ward, Sanders, and Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel (who is 67th overall, one spot higher than Milroe).
Meanwhile, Dart is not particularly well regarded by PFF — 13th among quarterbacks and 202nd overall. (So it’s possible the Giants could trade back from No. 3 and still get him.)
But longtime draft analyst Todd McShay — former of ESPN, now with The Ringer — is high on Dart, for what it’s worth.
Just wrapped up two tapes on Jaxson Dart (LSU, SC ‘24). Neither were great stat-line gms and LSU was a loss, but a LOT of positive takeaways. His natural ball placement is underrated and he shows a lot of awareness on certain throws. Really excited to share more throughout Senior Bowl week, but don’t be surprised if Dart winds up as QB3 in this class!
As McShay mentioned, there’s still a lot of time before the draft begins on April 24. So a lot can change between now and then — with the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine still ahead.
The first of three days of Senior Bowl practices happens Tuesday in Mobile, Ala., ahead of the game there Saturday. And Dart is one of the top prospects in Mobile this year.
Few quarterbacks have the history of production that Dart boasts. Over the course of his career, which began at USC, he has thrown for more than 10,000 yards and 81 touchdowns. Teams will be interested to see how he responds to coaching and how quickly he picks up the offense. Dart will be in that conversation to be the third quarterback off the board.
Dart is on the American team’s roster for the Senior Bowl. Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is the head coach for the National team. Four other Giants assistants are coaching in Mobile this week. Most notably, running backs coach Joel Thomas is the American team’s offensive coordinator. So he’ll get a chance to have some serious exposure to Dart.
Milroe also is on the American team, while Gabriel is on the National team. Those are the three most notable quarterbacks in Mobile this week, though you could probably also throw in Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, who is sixth among quarterbacks on PFF’s big board.
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With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, all eyes are on the New York Giants as they search for their next franchise quarterback. While prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward have garnered a lot of attention, there is another quarterback who could potentially fill the shoes of the legendary Eli Manning.
This mystery quarterback has been making waves in the college football world with his pinpoint accuracy, strong arm, and natural leadership abilities. Many scouts and analysts believe he has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level, much like Manning was for the Giants.
While his name may not be as recognizable as Sanders or Ward, this quarterback has shown tremendous growth and potential throughout his college career, and many believe he could be the answer to the Giants’ quarterback woes.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Giants as they look to secure their future at the quarterback position. Could this under-the-radar prospect be the next Eli Manning? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft draws near.
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NFL Draft 2025, New York Giants, quarterback, Eli Manning, Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, future franchise quarterback, NFL prospects, draft analysis
With not one but two NFC East rivals duking it out for a spot in the Super Bowl this weekend, a beleaguered New York Giants fan tries to determine who to root for—other than the meteor, that is
“I just think you just got to be a little more patient,” Manning said Thursday at a charity event when asked about his thought process watching the Giants season pan out. “Everybody’s in a quick decision to get rid of people and without necessarily a game plan to get someone, you know. Who else are you gonna get? Is there someone better out there? You can’t just keep changing over on coaches and management and expect better results. I mean I think it’s just you got to give time for people to get their people in, to set their culture, to let the players develop under them.
“You saw success two years ago. Last year, obviously, was tough, but I think Daboll and Joe Schoen are good people. They’re good coaches. They’re committed to it. And you know, if you have that, you’ve got to give them time and let them figure it out.”
Although Manning is not currently involved in any sort of scouting, he has occasionally been asked for his input over the years.
“Yes, I mean a little bit, just over the years, just guys I’ve been around, whether it’s Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss or quarterbacks over the years who have been to the Manning Passing Academy,” he said. “Just what kind of person they are, kind of more off-the-field stuff than maybe on the field.”
That said, Schoen needs to think long and hard before pulling the trigger on a trade up. Sure, the Giants need a quarterback — and they’re probably not finding their long-term guy in this terrible free agency crop — but is trading two firsts, two seconds and another asset of value (which is the haul the Bears got from the Panthers for the No. 1 pick in 2023) really worth it for a QB who might wind up being a huge bust?
Cleveland interviewed Giants assistant QBs coach Christian Jones for the position on Thursday. Jones just completed his second season in that role with New York after serving as an offensive assistant in 2022. He was previously with the Vikings for three seasons as an offensive quality control coach and then assistant receivers coach.
The college football season concluded with Ohio State crowned champions, and now the 2025 NFL Draft is around the corner. One of the next opportunities for talent evaluators to familiarize themselves with the prospects eligible for this year’s draft is at the Shrine Bowl, which kicks off over the weekend.
Here is how to watch and some of the top prospects who will participate in this year’s college all-star event:
Saturday, Jan. 25 (East Team: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.; West Team: 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 26 (East Team: 10 to 11:30 a.m.; West Team: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.)
Monday, Jan. 27 (East Team: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.; West Team: 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, Jan. 28 (East Team: 10 to 11:30 a.m.; West Team: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.)
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys land complement to CeeDee Lamb, two new offensive playmakers in the AFC West
Josh Edwards
Shrine Bowl top prospects
Prospect ranking: No. 9 (No. 2 QB)
Sanders enters the event as one of the most scrutinized prospects in America. There is a lot of pressure being Deion Sanders’ son playing the most important position on the field. The quarterback has shown that he is capable of handling the spotlight and uplifting his team in big moments. He has thrown for 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns with no more than 10 interceptions in each of the past four seasons. The belief is that he will be one of the first quarterbacks to hear his name called in April’s draft.
Sanders’ older brother, Colorado safety Shilo Sanders, is also participating in the event.
Prospect ranking: No. 19 (No. 2 CB)
Revel had a lot of buzz around his name coming into the season, but an injury ended that prematurely. Revel is incredibly long at 6-foot-3, and he recorded two interceptions in the Pirates’ first three games. He will not be able to take part of physical activities as a result of that injury, but Revel has a chance to hear his name called in the first round of April’s draft.
Prospect ranking: No. 24 (No. 3 DL)
At 6-foot-3 and 339 pounds, Grant profiles as a traditional nose tackle who will stuff two gaps in the run game and constrict the amount of space teams have to work with on offense. He will not offer much in terms of a pass rush, but his athleticism is good relative to his size.
Prospect ranking: No. 65 (No. 13 DL)
West lacks ideal length but is always moving. He has good mass to get on the hips of blockers and force his way into the backfield. The Kent State transfer has heavy hands and does a good job deconstructing blocks, but lacks the ideal length.
Prospect ranking: No. 104 (No. 17 DL)
Pegeus is a sawed-off ball of energy. Despite being 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds, he will occasionally line up on the end for the Razorbacks. In 2024, he recorded 3.5 sacks. The Mississippi native has a wide array of pass-rush moves. He signed with Auburn out of high school and began his collegiate career as a tight end. A transition to the defensive side of the ball did not occur until the spring of 2021.
Prospect ranking: No. 106 (No. 5 QB)
A lot of the blame for how the 2023 season concluded at Ohio State was laid at the feet of McCord, and that resulted in a uber-motivated quarterback in Fran Brown’s first season as head coach of the Orange. McCord showed great leadership en route to throwing for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Prospect ranking: No. 146 (No. 25 DL)
Baron began his career at Tennessee, transferred to Ole Miss, committed to Louisville as a transfer, then landed at Miami. Although his journey featured multiple stops, he had the sixth-highest pressure rate (20.3%) in college football among players with at least 150 pass rush snaps last season, according to TruMedia. Baron compiled 11.5 total sacks over the past two seasons.
Prospect ranking: No. 150 (No. 23 CB)
A few years ago, Villanova produced a lightly discussed cornerback prospect by the name of Christian Benford, who has been solid for the Bills. Waxter has good length and great production having allowed just 157 yards and one touchdown this season, according to TruMedia.
Prospect ranking: No. 183 (No. 10 IOL)
Wehr played right tackle last season for the Bobcats, but his limited athleticism necessitated a move inside. He played guard this past season but could even play center. A player with that level of positional versatility is valuable to teams looking to fill out a limited number of roster spots in the fall. Wehr has really good technique and does a good job moving his hands and feet when engaged.
The 2025 NFL Draft is to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.
The 2025 Shrine Bowl is set to showcase some of the top college football prospects in the country, including Shedeur Sanders, Kyle McCord, and other standout players. This prestigious all-star game is a must-watch for fans and scouts alike, as it provides a glimpse into the future of the sport.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is a highly touted quarterback who has already made a name for himself at the collegiate level. With his strong arm and impressive athleticism, he is sure to put on a show at the Shrine Bowl and solidify his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.
McCord, a standout quarterback from Ohio State, is another player to keep an eye on during the Shrine Bowl. Known for his accuracy and poise in the pocket, he has the potential to make a big impact on the game and impress scouts with his skills.
In addition to Sanders and McCord, there are several other top prospects who will be competing in the Shrine Bowl, including standout wide receivers, running backs, and defensive players. This game is a prime opportunity for these players to showcase their talents and make a case for their future in the NFL.
Be sure to tune in to the 2025 Shrine Bowl to see Shedeur Sanders, Kyle McCord, and other top prospects in action. It’s sure to be an exciting game filled with highlights and memorable moments that will have football fans talking for years to come.
Jim Wyatt has an article on TennesseeTitans.com about Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan’s first meeting with Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Wyatt said that Callahan spent about 15 minutes with Sanders ahead of the East-West Shrine Bowl. Callahan had great things to say about Sanders (from the above-linked article):
“You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said of his first impression of Sanders, son of Colorado coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. “He’s mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he’s a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself, he’s been paid money, so he has a financial perspective.
Sanders is in the mix to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in which the Titans currently hold the first overall pick. Payton McCollum, a Titans offensive assistant coach, will be coaching Sanders at the East-West Shrine game which takes place on January 30th.
Callahan went on to say this about how Sanders plays the position:
“The thing that stands out the most is his toughness,” Callahan said of Sanders. “He took some pretty big shots and he kept rolling. He can stand in the pocket and deliver it. He can move and create a bit, he has some ability to move out the pocket, and he does create on his own. He’s not a high-end dynamic scrambler necessarily, but he is productive when he does. And he really has a good feel for anticipation and timing, you can tell he’s been coached in that regard. Those things show up on tape.”
One thing to keep in mind as we go through this process is that you are not going to see the Titans say anything negative publically about any of the guys in this draft – especially the guys that are in the mix to be the first overall pick. They need all of the teams in the NFL to think they might take any of them with the first overall pick. That keeps the rest of the teams guessing what they are going to do with the first pick and keeps the value of the pick high if they want to trade it.
Titans coach Brian Callahan impressed by Shedeur Sanders’ potential in 2025 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been making waves in the college football world with his impressive play at Jackson State University. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many are speculating on where the talented quarterback will land.
Titans coach Brian Callahan recently spoke about Sanders and his potential as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. Callahan praised Sanders for his athleticism, arm strength, and football IQ, noting that he has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.
“Shedeur Sanders is a special talent,” Callahan said. “He has all the tools to succeed in the NFL and I believe he will be a top pick in the 2025 draft. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes sets him apart from other prospects.”
Callahan went on to say that he would love to have Sanders on his team, but acknowledged that many other teams will be vying for the young quarterback’s services. With his combination of talent and pedigree, it’s no surprise that Sanders is generating so much buzz leading up to the draft.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders and where he ultimately lands. Will he live up to the hype and make a name for himself in the NFL? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – he has the potential to be a star in the league for years to come.
Turron Davenport covers the Tennessee Titans for ESPN. Turron is a former collegiate football player at Cheyney University and is a native of Philadelphia, and he has authored/co-authored four books. You can catch Turron on ESPN Radio on his show “Talking with TD” and you can follow him on Twitter: @TDavenport_NFL.
The Titans, who have the first overall pick, met with Sanders for 45 minutes. The meeting also included a surprise FaceTime call from Shedeur’s father, Deion Sanders.
“He’s really poised and had mature way about him,” Titans coach Brian Callahan told ESPN. “You can tell he’s been in the spotlight and knows how to handle it.”
The Browns have the second pick in the draft, followed by the Giants.
Shedeur Sanders will meet with media Saturday afternoon.
ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.
Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted quarterback and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is set to meet with NFL brass ahead of the upcoming draft. However, despite his impressive skills on the field, Sanders has announced that he will not be participating in the Shrine Bowl.
The decision to skip the Shrine Bowl, a college football all-star game that showcases top NFL prospects, comes as a surprise to many. Sanders has been a standout player at Jackson State University, where he has made a name for himself as a talented and dynamic quarterback.
While some may question Sanders’ decision to forgo the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of NFL scouts, it is clear that he is focused on preparing for the next step in his football career. Meeting with NFL executives and decision-makers is a crucial step in the draft process, and Sanders is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
As Sanders continues to make a name for himself in the world of football, all eyes will be on him as he works towards achieving his dream of playing in the NFL. Stay tuned for more updates on Shedeur Sanders and his journey to the pros.
Titans coach Brian Callahan saw quarterback Shedeur Sanders, decked out in a Colorado sweatshirt, here on Friday morning on the campus of the University of North Texas, so he went up and started what turned into a 15-minute conversation.
Sanders is in town for East-West Shrine Bowl practices, and teams across the NFL flooded the school’s indoor practice facility to see the quarterbacks at a throwing session. The Titans are well represented here, with Callahan, new general manager Mike Borgonzi, and president of football operations Chad Brinker joined by coaches and scouts from the team.
“You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said of his first impression of Sanders, son of Colorado coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. “He’s mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he’s a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself, he’s been paid money, so he has a financial perspective.
“It was a really good first impression.”
The Titans headed into their offseason with the No.1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s no secret they’re interested in quarterbacks, from draft eligible players to potential free agents.
In the coming months, they’ll have a number of opportunities to meet the stars of college football, from Sanders to Miami’s Cam Ward to Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart to Alabama’s Jalen Milroe to many more.
While scouts have been on the road for months, the East-West Shrine Bowl presents the best opportunity for those wrapped up in football during the fall, like Callahan, to see a bunch of prospects. Next week the Titans will head to Mobile, Ala., for Senior Bowl practices, next month the group will head to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, and then there will be Pro Days, private workouts, and officials visits leading up to the draft.
Sanders didn’t throw during a throwing session for the QBs here on Friday, but he’s scheduled to take part in practices in the coming days. Ward, considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class, isn’t here, and he’s not scheduled to be in Mobile either.
This week, the Titans will dig deeper into Sanders, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024.
“The thing that stands out the most is his toughness,” Callahan said of Sanders. “He took some pretty big shots and he kept rolling. He can stand in the pocket and deliver it. He can move and create a bit, he has some ability to move out the pocket, and he does create on his own. He’s not a high-end dynamic scrambler necessarily, but he is productive when he does. And he really has a good feel for anticipation and timing, you can tell he’s been coached in that regard. Those things show up on tape.”
Titans Coach Brian Callahan recently had the opportunity to meet with highly touted quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, as well as quarterback Cam Ward. Callahan shared his thoughts on both young quarterbacks and their potential impact on the football field.
During the meeting, Callahan was impressed by Shedeur Sanders’ strong arm, football IQ, and leadership qualities. He praised Sanders for his work ethic and dedication to improving his game, noting that he has the potential to be a standout quarterback at the collegiate and possibly professional level.
In addition to Sanders, Callahan also had the chance to speak with Cam Ward, another promising young quarterback with impressive skills and potential. Callahan noted Ward’s accuracy, decision-making, and poise under pressure, highlighting him as another player to watch in the coming years.
Overall, Callahan expressed excitement about working with both quarterbacks and helping them further develop their talents. He believes that Sanders and Ward have bright futures ahead of them in football and looks forward to seeing them excel on the field.
Kiper forecasts the Titans to draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward at the top of the draft, resetting the franchise with the dazzling passer who starred with the Hurricanes by way of stops at Incarnate Word and Washington State.
“I’m sure new general manager Mike Borgonzi will listen to trade offers here, but his real decision should come down to Ward vs. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders,” Kiper writes. “I actually have Sanders ranked one spot ahead of Ward on my big board. Ward has the early top-pick buzz around the league, though, so that’s where I’m leaning for now. He extends plays with his creativity, mobility and strong arm. Ward led the nation with 39 touchdowns passes this season, and he’d help put the Titans back on track.”
Kiper has the Titans picking Ward over the other top prospects in the class. He has Sanders being picked third by the New York Giants, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter going second to the Cleveland Browns and pass rusher Abdul Carter being picked fourth by the New England Patriots.
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @nicksuss.
Is it Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward for Titans?
With the recent departure of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Tennessee Titans are in need of a new signal-caller to lead their team. Two top contenders for the starting job are Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has shown promise as a quarterback with his strong arm and quick decision-making. He has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker for the Titans and could bring a new level of excitement to the team.
On the other hand, Cam Ward, a seasoned veteran with years of experience in the league, brings a level of stability and leadership to the position. His knowledge of the game and ability to make smart choices under pressure could be exactly what the Titans need to succeed.
Both Sanders and Ward have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, making it a tough decision for the Titans coaching staff. Ultimately, the choice between Sanders and Ward will come down to who can best lead the team to victory and help them reach their goal of a Super Bowl championship.
Who do you think should be the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans? Let us know in the comments below!
