Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst, recently made a bold assertion regarding the future of Deion Sanders and his son, Shedeur Sanders, who is the starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes. Orlovsky’s comments came in response to a mock draft by The 33rd Team that projected Shedeur to be selected second overall by the Cleveland Browns. He emphatically claimed that there is “0% chance” Deion would allow Shedeur to be drafted by either Cleveland or the Carolina Panthers, another team in desperate need of a quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders is enjoying an impressive 2024 season, having thrown for 2,268 yards, with 19 touchdowns and just six interceptions over the first seven games. His strong performance has positioned him as a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns, who have struggled with quarterback play due to Deshaun Watson’s inconsistent performances and subsequent injury, and the Panthers, who are facing difficulties with the development of Bryce Young, are both seen as teams likely to be seeking a quarterback at the top of the draft.
While it remains uncertain how much influence Deion Sanders would have on his son’s draft destination, he has made it clear that he has a strong preference for Shedeur to land in a more favorable situation. Earlier this year, Deion expressed a desire for Shedeur to end up in a warm-weather city, and more recently, he pinpointed specific NFL teams that he believes would be a better fit for his son.
Despite Deion’s wishes, the reality is that NFL teams are under no obligation to heed his preferences when it comes to drafting players. However, Orlovsky believes that Deion will actively work to ensure Shedeur is not drafted by a team he views as undesirable. In fact, Deion has previously hinted at the possibility of pulling an “Eli Manning”—a reference to the 2004 draft when Manning refused to play for the Chargers after being selected, ultimately leading to a trade to the New York Giants.
Ultimately, as the draft approaches, the future of Shedeur Sanders will become a focal point for both college football fans and NFL scouts alike. While Deion Sanders may wish to protect his son from what he perceives as unfavorable situations, the decision ultimately lies with the teams and their assessment of talent and need. Regardless, Shedeur’s rising stock suggests he will have multiple options come draft day, setting the stage for an intriguing narrative surrounding the Sanders family in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
