Pittsburgh, Pa. — Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected drop to the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft has sparked significant conversation among analysts and fans alike. Former NFL running back Merrill Hoge weighed in on Sanders’ potential, suggesting that his style of play may not translate effectively to the professional level.
In an interview, Hoge criticized Sanders, calling him a competent college quarterback but lacking the distinct qualities of a franchise player. He noted that despite an impressive 74% completion rate during the season, this statistic was somewhat misleading due to Sanders’ frequent use of bubble screens. With 168 passes either at or behind the line of scrimmage, comprising 35% of his total attempts, Hoge argued that these factors did not paint a complete picture of Sanders’ readiness for the NFL.
Hoge emphasized the necessity for quarterbacks to demonstrate versatility and adaptability beyond short passes. He expressed concern that Sanders’ college success relied heavily on a strategy that would not hold up against the more dynamic defenses in the NFL. “You’re not going to survive if half of your plays are bubble screens,” Hoge remarked, suggesting that while it may have been a protective approach from the coaching staff at Colorado, it raised questions about Sanders’ overall skill set.
Highlighting the success of recent first-round quarterbacks, Hoge drew parallels to players such as CJ Stroud and Joe Burrow, declaring that Sanders did not possess the same caliber of talent. He pointed out that Sanders lacked the ability to instill fear in opposing defenses, a critical trait for a starting NFL quarterback.
Additionally, Hoge noted that Sanders’ performance appeared to decline as the 2024 season progressed, culminating in a challenging outing during the Alamo Bowl. “He got worse as the season went on,” Hoge stated, using the bowl game’s outcome as a benchmark for concern regarding Sanders’ career potential.
As Sanders begins his professional journey with the Cleveland Browns, he faces a significant challenge in winning the starting quarterback position against veterans like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The shift to a lower-pressure role may benefit him, but Hoge warns that without a strong adaptation to the NFL’s demands, Sanders could struggle.
Reflecting on past cases, Hoge referenced his prediction regarding Johnny Manziel, whom he labeled a potential bust prior to the draft. “I see bust written all over him,” he said, drawing a parallel in the risk associated with Sanders.
With the weight of expectations now resting on Sanders in Cleveland, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can defy the odds and emerge as a viable NFL quarterback. The franchise hopes his transition is smoother than that of his predecessor, Manziel, who only managed to start eight games in his NFL career. For Sanders, the coming season will be crucial in determining his future in the league.