Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• While Sanders showcased impressive pocket presence at Jackson State, concerns arise around the consistency of his raw talent and whether it meets NFL standards.
• His throwing mechanics display gaps; often leaning heavily on his upper body, Sanders presents erratic footwork. This inconsistency in his stance, especially with feet placed too far apart, restricts pivotal hip movement, resulting in unstable releases and off target passes.
• The shift to Pac-12 play in 2023 will be a true test for Sanders, pitting him against top-tier defenses, underscoring the need to refine mechanics and adapt to heightened competition.
• Arm talent assessments based on tape alone yield mixed results for Sanders. While he occasionally showcases NFL-caliber strength, certain passes reveal a wobble and linger in the air, emphasizing the need for on-field vetting to determine the veracity of his arm strength.
• Perhaps the most alarming issue is his approach to ball security. His casual handling, particularly when evading tackles or in motion, has led to a notable 19 fumbles in his career. This oversight not only threatens field position but also highlights a risk factor unmatched by any other quarterback prospect for the 2024 draft.

Scouting Report: Summary

From a tape and traits perspective, Shedeur Sanders is an intriguing prospect who has begun to turn heads in NFL scouting rooms. Transitioning to Boulder has been an essential litmus test for his draft stock, and early indications suggest a trajectory pointing north. His recent outing against TCU's vaunted secondary wasn't just a display of raw talent—it was a masterclass in QB mechanics, pocket awareness, and field vision.

Against TCU, Sanders consistently demonstrated the ability to go through his progressions, making anticipatory throws and displaying touch and velocity when required. Notably, concerns over his arm strength, which were a talking point during his Jackson State days, seemed to be quelled. Sanders was driving the ball into tight windows, dropping dimes on deep routes, and effectively using his eyes to look off coverage.

His performance wasn't just an aberration or a "good day." Sanders carved up an elite NCAA defense, showcasing NFL-ready traits. His pocket poise, ability to read and react post-snap, and the innate knack to feel pressure and adjust on the fly are precisely what scouts and GMs drool over when breaking down QB film.

However, it's the intangibles, often harder to quantify, that could propel Sanders into elite draft prospect territory. His leadership, evident from his sideline interactions and on-field command, combined with an apparent high football IQ, suggests he possesses the mental makeup of an NFL signal-caller.

It's still early days, and consistency is king when it comes to scouting prospects for the next level. However, if Sanders continues to exhibit the blend of raw talent, refined QB skills, and leadership traits he's flashed so far, don't be surprised to see him not only in the Heisman conversation but also among the top of the QB boards in war rooms across the league come the 2024 NFL Draft.