Shedeur Sanders has not been drafted yet primarily due to NFL teams judging that he is not worthy of a first-round pick based on his skill set and athleticism. Teams wanted to see him demonstrate better throwing rhythm and more athletic traits, but considered him a mediocre athlete with some accuracy and arm strength concerns on shorter throws. His pro day performance didn't alleviate worries about his biggest flaws for teams relying on quick timing routes, and he does not pose a significant running threat. Beyond on-field factors, off-field distractions and concerns, including his personality, confidence, and the strong influence of his father Deion Sanders, might also have complicated decisions by NFL franchises. Despite being a highly touted top quarterback prospect and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year with impressive college stats, several teams passed on selecting him even in later rounds, likely due to a combination of scouting concerns and questions about his readiness to lead as a pro quarterback. This has made his draft weekend one of the biggest surprises and most debated dramas in recent memory. Sanders eventually was picked in the fifth round but slipped well past the rounds where he was projected earlier. This long wait and slide have been attributed to the combination of his perceived inability to meet the immediate athletic and playing-style needs of NFL teams along with the off-field perceptions about him and his entourage.
