ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has offered his thoughts on Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted Colorado Buffaloes quarterback who has been the subject of ongoing draft speculation.
Recent reports have suggested that Sanders’ stock might be slipping in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. However, Orlovsky strongly disagrees with that assessment, believing that Sanders deserves to remain a top prospect.
On Wednesday, Orlovsky took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share an in-depth video breakdown of Sanders’ performance against Baylor in a game played on September 21.
In the video, Orlovsky analyzed several passing plays, defending Sanders on some incomplete throws while also praising the quarterback’s accuracy and decision-making on successful attempts.
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Breaking Down Sanders’ Performance
One of Orlovsky’s key takeaways from the film was that Sanders often faced immense pressure due to Colorado’s struggling offensive line. Rather than being a sign of weakness, Orlovsky pointed out that Sanders’ ability to make accurate throws under duress highlighted his composure and talent.
“He was not getting good pass protection,” Orlovsky emphasized. “A lot of the time, he was forced to rush things, but even with the pressure, he still put the ball on the money.”
Despite the challenges he faced in that game, Sanders posted strong numbers, completing 25 of 41 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns while leading Colorado to a 38-31 victory.
For the 2024 season, Sanders put together an impressive statistical resume, completing 74% of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. His efficiency, arm talent, and poise have led many analysts to rank him among the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.
Uncertainty Surrounding Sanders’ Draft Stock
While Sanders is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks in this draft class—alongside Washington State’s Cam Ward—there is still uncertainty about where he will be selected.
Some teams reportedly do not have Sanders graded as a first-round pick, which could lead to him slipping further than initially expected. However, given his skill set and production, many experts, including Orlovsky, believe Sanders will ultimately hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft.
As the draft process unfolds, Sanders will have the opportunity to further solidify his case through interviews, workouts, and pro day performances. Whether he lands in the top half of the first round or slides later, he remains one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
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