Analyst Claims Smear Campaign Harms Shedeur Sanders' Draft Stock

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is facing a potential drop in his draft stock due to what ESPN analyst Louis Riddick describes as a 'smear campaign' linked to his father's polarizing reputation. Riddick argues that negative narratives around Sanders' professionalism and skills are being fueled by preconceived notions about Deion, impacting perceptions of Shedeur's talent. While Sanders performed impressively in the 2024 season, throwing for over 4,100 yards and leading in completion percentage, some analysts now rank him behind other quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart. Despite this, he remains a highly regarded prospect, with Riddick asserting that Sanders is a top-half first-round talent. The upcoming Pro Day on March 18 will be crucial for Sanders to reassert his position among NFL teams. Riddick emphasizes that the criticism is not reflective of Sanders' capabilities but rather a reaction to his family's legacy.