Nick Saban Reflects on Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected NFL Draft Slide…

The 2025 NFL Draft has brought its share of surprises, but perhaps none more shocking than Shedeur Sanders sliding down the board further than many analysts had projected. Once considered a likely first-round pick, the former Colorado Buffaloes star quarterback found himself waiting much longer than expected. Among those weighing in on Sanders’ draft night experience was legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban.

During draft coverage on ABC, Saban shared his thoughts on Sanders’ unexpected fall. “I feel bad for Shedeur,” Saban said, clearly empathetic. “When he’s in the pocket and he throws the ball on time, he is one of the most accurate passers in this entire draft.”

Saban pointed out that Sanders’ performance at Colorado was impacted by external factors, including a struggling offensive line that often left him scrambling for survival rather than playing to his strengths. “It’s hard to evaluate a quarterback when he’s running for his life every play,” Saban noted. “But when Shedeur had time and could stay in rhythm, he showed elite-level accuracy.”

Despite the setback, Saban emphasized that a player’s draft position does not define their future success. “It’s not about where you get picked — it’s about what you do with the opportunity when you get it,” Saban said. “I believe Shedeur Sanders has the talent, the mindset, and the work ethic to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes his way.”

Saban went further, calling Sanders “the most accurate quarterback in the draft” when operating from a clean pocket. His praise carried significant weight, considering Saban’s reputation for evaluating top-tier talent over his storied coaching career.

As the draft continued into later rounds, teams like the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints were rumored to have interest in Sanders. Regardless of where he lands, Sanders now carries a chip on his shoulder — and the endorsement of one of college football’s greatest minds.

Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to see if Shedeur Sanders can turn his draft-day disappointment into a successful and motivating NFL career, just as Nick Saban predicts.