Shedeur Sanders has been the face of the Colorado Buffaloes’ resurgence under Deion Sanders. But not everyone is sold on his NFL future just yet—and ESPN’s Marcus Spears isn’t sugarcoating it.

During live coverage of the first round of the NFL Draft, Spears weighed in on Sanders’ draft stock, and his comments cut through the hype. “Nothing about Shedeur pops off the tape,” Spears said, emphasizing that while Sanders has shown promise, he hasn’t yet separated himself from the pack in terms of elite quarterback traits.

Spears Says the Tape Tells a Different Story

Despite Shedeur’s impressive college stats—over 4,100 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions in 2024—Spears made it clear that raw numbers don’t equate to elite tape. He questioned Sanders’ ability to “take over games” at the next level, saying that for a quarterback to be considered a top-tier NFL franchise pick, the film has to show it—and for Spears, it doesn’t. “He hasn’t proven that he can be that guy yet,” he said.

It’s About Projection, Not Just Production

While some analysts are quick to bet on Sanders’ upside, Spears approached it from a development angle. He asked the critical question: “Where do you think this dude’s ceiling is if he’s not there right now?” Spears compared Sanders’ potential to Geno Smith—a solid NFL starter, but not someone you’d build a Super Bowl window around. “Does Geno Smith really get you excited? No, it doesn’t,” Spears added.

Buffaloes’ Faith vs. NFL Skepticism

Spears’ critique isn’t a dismissal—it’s a challenge. The Colorado faithful have seen Shedeur lead gritty wins, withstand a historically sacked season (52 sacks in 2023), and remain poised. But the NFL is about traits, not sentiment. Spears is essentially asking: What trait sets Shedeur apart?

Spears’ take should fuel Shedeur and energize Buffaloes Nation. The ceiling? Still unwritten. But if Sanders wants to silence the critics, 2025 will need to be his statement season.

Related: Shedeur Sanders breaks silence after falling in NFL Draft

#ESPN #analyst #blunt #Shedeur #Sanders #NFL #ceiling