NFL Draft - Shedeur Sanders | Barking Hard

NFL Draft Shedeur Sanders

OconRecon

OconRecon

If you're juiceless, you're useless
Okay, screw it. Let's just make a thread. 74% completion rate, bumped to 82% when adjusted for drops, with an absolute crap O-line, seems like something worth taking a look at. He can raise up a team, handle the circus, and may be our next best swing at a QB.


===


PFF’s Jordan Plocher and Josh Liskiewitz agree. In their article pairing one prospect for each of the 32 NFL teams, it was Sanders who fell into the most ideal fit for the Browns. Here is what they had to say:

“Everyone in Cleveland would prefer to just sweep the whole Deshaun Watson experiment under the rug and move on. The Sheduer Sanders selection allows the team, the fans and the city to move on toward the future. Sanders is a highly accurate quarterback, as his 81.6 adjusted completion percentage ranked No.1 among FBS quarterbacks with an 8.0-yard average depth of target. Sanders is a multiple-year starter who should be able to start from the beginning of his career if Watson starts the season on the physically unable to perform list.”
Click to expand...



 
I want something special at 2.

Sanders holds the ball longer than Deshaun Watson. But that "fits Stefanski's system" somehow. He also would have the weakest arm in the league as a starter. Zero elite traits. Hard pass.





Ward broke Bernie Kosar's long standing Miami pass completions record. Lifelong Miami U honks are saying Ward is leagues ahead of any QB they have seen suit up for the Canes. That's a huge claim.

Ward, or we wait until '26 draft to address QB.
 
This FO values the competition a player goes against. Did Sanders go against any good teams or defenses? Out east there were only a couple of Colorado games available.

Will Howard faced a lot of good defenses in the regular season and the playoff drive and while he did pretty good I still don't think he's more than a late day two pick. His arm strength isn't going to work in the NFL. If he can improve that for the combine maybe he can work his way up a bit?
 
Last edited:
Have read his TTT is skewed quite a bit by his need to bail from the pocket more often than most due to his poor OL. When his line held up, he was more on-time than Ward.

I agree on the completion %. Seems to me like it's somebody who's just good at QB-ing.
Brian Sipe has arguably the weakest arm in the league, but won the MVP, due to his passing, in 1980.

Even those have questioned his arm strength say it's his accuracy, anticipation, and timing that makes him special. That's how Sipe did it btw. Watson, even though a sore subject, had the weakest arm at the combine, and then went on to be a 3-time probowler by the age of 26, until injuries, drama, mental state all shit the bed.

QB - get the guy to completes passes
WR - get the guy who can catch the ball
RB - get the guy who has the vision to gain yards

Having said that, I'd be totally happy with Ward as the selection. I get all of his upside as well. The 3 QB's who lifted the program around them this year are Ward, McCord, and Sanders. I like that.

The only thing I'm not in favor of is just waiting until later in the draft to take a QB. "Let's just take whatever is leftover later". Too risky. I mean, if we draft Travis Hunter, and then McCord or Howard, or even noodle-armed beach boy Jaxson Dart, I'll get on board. :ROFLMAO:
 
I think the recent news with Myles has shown why the selection cannot be Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. Elite players at every position want to win, but the team needs a QB to do that consistently. Otherwise, this is what eventually happens. Jalen Ramsey before Myles, Khalil Mack before Ramsey. Not everyone is Joe Thomas.
 
jaydog said:
This FO values the competition a player goes against. Did Sanders go against any good teams or defenses? Out east there were only a couple of Colorado games available.

Will Howard faced a lot of good defenses in the regular season and the playoff drive and while he did pretty good I still don't think he's more than a late day two pick. His arm strength isn't going to work in the NFL. If he can improve that for the combine maybe he can work his way up a bit?
Click to expand...
Yes, Sanders played some decent teams, Big 12 isn't the Big Ten or the SEC, but Colorado played a decent schedule. They put up 49 against Utah. 28 against Kansas State.
 
MKO3090 said:
I think the recent news with Myles has shown why the selection cannot be Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. Elite players at every position want to win, but the team needs a QB to do that consistently. Otherwise, this is what eventually happens. Jalen Ramsey before Myles, Khalil Mack before Ramsey. Not everyone is Joe Thomas.
Click to expand...
I agree, but I'm not sure that QB is in this draft. If we need to win NOW, Sanders is clearly the choice. But it might be better for the team to admit we need to almost start over (again) and trade Garrett for draft picks (a lot of them), draft Carter or trade down, suck next season, and take a QB next year. I just don't see us contending for anything but a wildcard spot at best next year -- unless Sanders or Ward play like Jayden Daniels for us next season.
 
Martin Eden said:
I agree, but I'm not sure that QB is in this draft. If we need to win NOW, Sanders is clearly the choice.
Click to expand...
There is no guarantee that QB will be in the next Draft or we will be in position to select him. If Sanders is the best option to win in '25, it's a no brainier. We'll have some momentum to work with for '26, and if he's a complete bust, we'll in prime position again next Draft with a new regime. Especially true if Myles is traded for a package.
 
TheBestPlayersPlay said:
Sanders holds the ball longer than Deshaun Watson. But that "fits Stefanski's system" somehow. He also would have the weakest arm in the league as a starter. Zero elite traits. Hard pass.
OconRecon said:
Have read his TTT is skewed quite a bit by his need to bail from the pocket more often than most due to his poor OL. When his line held up, he was more on-time than Ward.

I agree on the completion %. Seems to me like it's somebody who's just good at QB-ing.
Brian Sipe has arguably the weakest arm in the league, but won the MVP, due to his passing, in 1980.

Even those have questioned his arm strength say it's his accuracy, anticipation, and timing that makes him special. That's how Sipe did it btw. Watson, even though a sore subject, had the weakest arm at the combine, and then went on to be a 3-time probowler by the age of 26, until injuries, drama, mental state all shit the bed.

QB - get the guy to completes passes
WR - get the guy who can catch the ball
RB - get the guy who has the vision to gain yards

Having said that, I'd be totally happy with Ward as the selection. I get all of his upside as well. The 3 QB's who lifted the program around them this year are Ward, McCord, and Sanders. I like that.

The only thing I'm not in favor of is just waiting until later in the draft to take a QB. "Let's just take whatever is leftover later". Too risky. I mean, if we draft Travis Hunter, and then McCord or Howard, or even noodle-armed beach boy Jaxson Dart, I'll get on board. :ROFLMAO:
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


The "Time to Throw" Argument Against Sanders is Oversimplified​

If you're going to argue that Shedeur Sanders "holds the ball too long," you need to look deeper into the context. Let's start with Colorado’s offensive line.

Pass Protection: One of the Worst in P4 Football​

  • Pressure Rate: Sanders was pressured on 37% of his dropbacks, ranking 86th in the FBS for pass protection (PFF).
  • Time Before Pressure: Colorado’s OL gave him 2.50 seconds or less before pressure arrived—one of the worst marks in P5 football (PFF).
  • Sacks Allowed:
    • Colorado: 39 sacks (3.25 per game)
    • National Average: 2.5 sacks per game (FBS Average - NCAA)
  • Pressure-to-Sack Ratio:
    • Shedeur Sanders: 21.4%
    • Jayden Daniels (LSU 2023): 24.5%
    • Lamar Jackson (Louisville 2017): 20.0%

Performance Under Pressure: How Does Sanders Stack Up?​

  • Shedeur Sanders Under Pressure Rating: 63.6 (PFF)
  • Jayden Daniels Under Pressure Rating (2023): 63.0 (PFF)
So if Daniels, who just won the Heisman and was a top-three NFL Draft pick, posted similar numbers with better protection, why is Sanders being judged so differently?

Run Blocking: No Help There Either​

If an OL can’t establish the run, defenses can tee off on the QB. That’s exactly what happened to Colorado:

  • Yards per Carry:
    • Colorado: 2.5 YPC (133rd nationally)
    • National Average: 4.3 YPC (FBS Average - NCAA)
Colorado’s OL wasn’t just bad at pass blocking, they were terrible at run blocking too. No run game means more obvious passing situations, and more pressure for Sanders.

Does Sanders Actually "Hold the Ball Too Long?"​

His Time to Throw (TTT) was 2.89 seconds. Compare that to:

  • Caleb Williams (USC 2023, No. 1 overall pick): 3.21 seconds
  • Lamar Jackson (Louisville 2017, first-round pick): 3.00 seconds
Sanders actually gets rid of the ball faster than both. Yet, the same criticism wasn’t used against them.

Arm Strength: Not a Dealbreaker​

Does Sanders have a Josh Allen-level arm? No. But elite arm strength isn’t a prerequisite for NFL success.

  • Drew Brees, Joe Burrow, and Tua Tagovailoa aren’t known for cannons but excelled with accuracy, anticipation, and decision-making.
  • Sanders excels in touch, mobility, and poise, making arm strength a non-issue in the right system.

The "Zero Elite Traits" Narrative is Lazy​

Sanders has plenty of elite traits:
✅ Elite pocket presence (despite constant pressure)
✅ Quick decision-making
✅ Ability to extend plays
✅ High football IQ & leadership

Many QBs have been doubted for lacking "elite traits" but thrived in the right system. Writing off Sanders because of a historically bad OL is shortsighted.

Final Takeaway​

Shedeur Sanders didn’t have a great OL—he had one of the worst in Power 5 football. His numbers, when compared to top-tier QBs who had better situations, actually hold up very well. Instead of blaming him for "holding the ball," the real issue was Colorado's protection (or lack thereof).

Sanders is a no-brainer pick at #2 for Cleveland and Stefanski's offense.
 
Preach!

If this kid’s name was "Jamal Rush" or something other than Sanders, he'd be getting the benefit of the doubt. Instead, he's getting mostly doubts. It's weird.

Especially, since his supposed baggage should already be cancelled by his clean personal track record, and recent team interviews.

One thing Deion does, he keeps his kids in line and stresses the importance to them in doing so, while letting them be them.

As far as dad's go, who's dad would you rather have around to personally guide him? Watson pretty much had no dad. CJ Stroud's dad in in prison. That's personal stuff some can overcome, and some can't. Deion, Shedeur, and Shilo seem to have a very healthy and open father-son relationship, oh, and Deion knows the family business better than nearly every other dad on draft day.
 
AI responses aside, you've just sold me on Dart. Arm strength isn't important in a franchise QB. 👍🏻

Sanders is good at throwing screens though. I'll give him that.

That video of "one of Sanders best passes of the year" was thrown into triple coverage, and had he been playing against NFL talent would have been picked.

Not buying the Neon Deion hype.

I'd take Will Howard over Sanders.

Ward or bust.
 
I’m cool w Ward too.

However,

Vs. Pressure​

Cam Ward
  • 28% of his drop backs
    • 66% adjusted completion percentage, 7.1 YPA, 16% pressure to sack percentage, 79 NFL passer rating
Shedeur Sanders
  • 35% of his drop backs
    • 70.4% adjusted completion percentage, 8.0 YPA, 19% pressure to sack percentage, 93 NFL passer rating

​

Downfield Passing​

Cam Ward
  • 20+ yards downfield pass attempts
    • 51% adjusted completion percentage, 15.3 YPA, 14 TD – 0 INT, 131.5 Passer Rating
Shedeur Sanders
  • 20+ yards downfield pass attempts
    • 49% adjusted completion percentage, 15.8 YPA, 14 TD – 1 INT, 126.0 Passer Rating
 
Agreed. Ward would be fine as well. A completely different QB, but similar in level of professional prospect. I think both are being undervalued due to the media's refusal to get hyperbolic this season, no "generational" talk. And it's true, neither are. But the reality is there have only been 4 like that: Elway, Manning, Luck, Lawrence. There have been many more non-generational QBs who have had great careers in that time.

Russell Wilson's stint in Seattle is deserving of reflection. To me, it was clear at the time and clearer now Wilson was no Superman QB. He was talented and good at what he does (mobility, arm strength, deep accuracy, decision-making), but there were also many limitations to his game. A step above game manager for sure, but not in the elite category.

When Pete Carroll would get more and more run heavy as the games and season went on, it wasn't just the philosophy of a defensive-oriented HC. He was also trying not to overexpose his QB. How Seattle won a SB with Russ in his 2nd Year. How they got to and almost won another 1 and were perennial contenders for years.

All of this is to say the idea that you need someone in the Mahomes/Allen/Lamar/Burrow company to win is silly. Burrow misses the playoffs every other year and Allen/Lamar lose to the Chiefs annually. You definitely need a good QB, but you also need a good HC, talent across the roster, a strong culture, etc. Why I'm not bothered if Sanders/Ward aren't breaking the draft analysts mind. The question is are they qualified to be the answer to the QB Problem in Cleveland. We can move forward from there.
 
OconRecon said:
I’m cool w Ward too.

However,

Vs. Pressure​

Cam Ward
  • 28% of his drop backs
    • 66% adjusted completion percentage, 7.1 YPA, 16% pressure to sack percentage, 79 NFL passer rating
Shedeur Sanders
  • 35% of his drop backs
    • 70.4% adjusted completion percentage, 8.0 YPA, 19% pressure to sack percentage, 93 NFL passer rating

​

Downfield Passing​

Cam Ward
  • 20+ yards downfield pass attempts
    • 51% adjusted completion percentage, 15.3 YPA, 14 TD – 0 INT, 131.5 Passer Rating
Shedeur Sanders
  • 20+ yards downfield pass attempts
    • 49% adjusted completion percentage, 15.8 YPA, 14 TD – 1 INT, 126.0 Passer Rating
Click to expand...
Ward is always looking for the big play, which is why those stats lie and the under pressure numbers suffer. Sanders is always looking for whatever will look better on a piece of paper.

Sanders is playing against nobody at all, while Ward is playing against the best of the best and breaking records people thought might stand for eternity.
 
TheBestPlayersPlay said:
Ward is always looking for the big play, which is why those stats lie and the under pressure numbers suffer. Sanders is always looking for whatever will look better on a piece of paper.

Sanders is playing against nobody at all, while Ward is playing against the best of the best and breaking records people thought might stand for eternity.
Click to expand...
In today's NFL, with all the cover 2 shells being played, if Ward is "always looking for the big play," he's in big trouble. Most "big plays" now are short or medium passes with a lot of YAC. I agree Ward has a chance to be great. Sanders has less of a chance to be great. But Ward also has a better chance of being Jameis Winston. And Sanders has a better chance of being Drew Brees. An interesting choice. I think we take whichever the Titans (or whomever they trade with) don't take. I'm fine with either.
 
Back
Top Bottom