Shedeur Sanders Compared to Mac Jones By Former NFL Coach Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is arguably the most talked-about prospect in this upcoming draft, with opinions running the gamut on his pro potential and where he can land.

More opinions on Sanders dropped via Bruce Feldman of The Athletic's mock draft, which saw him go third overall to the New York Giants.

One ex-NFL coach notably compared Shedeur Sanders to Jacksonville Jaguars backup and ex-Alabama star Mac Jones out of college.

"One former NFL coach who watched a lot of Sanders was reminded of when Mac Jones came out of college, wondering whether he has any elite traits," Feldman began.

"'Yeah, he’s smooth, and he operates well,' the coach said, 'but if he operates so well, why does he take so many sacks? I know his O-line is awful, and I get that to an extent, but I’m watching him, and like 40 percent of the sacks are on him. Dude, just throw the ball!'"

That coach also had some nice things to say about Sanders' accuracy but noted an area for improvement in the same thought as well.

“He throws a very catchable ball,” the coach said, “and knows what kind of ball to throw, and his pocket movement is good, and those things do translate, but his clock is way too slow. It might be because he always thinks he has to make a play, but that’s not gonna go well in the NFL.”

Sanders had a great season for Colorado, completing 74.0 percent of his passes for 37 touchdowns (10 interceptions) and 4,134 yards en route to leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record and a No. 25 finish in the Associated Press poll.

However, he did take 42 sacks. Based on that coach's assessment, about 17 of them were Sanders' responsibility.

Still, there's a lot to like about Sanders. He withstood a ton of pressure (on and off the field) and helped turn around a team that went 1-11 in 2022, the year before his arrival. Sanders also made explosive plays and had explosive games, and that could certainly help him in the NFL.

The latest B/R NFL mock draft has Sanders going ninth overall to the New Orleans Saints. We'll find out soon enough where he goes when the draft begins on April 25 in Green Bay.