Shedeur Sanders might not pull an ‘Eli’ after all.
The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, son of legendary NFL cornerback Deion, is one of the most polarizing prospects in the NFL Draft.
GettySanders is projected to be a top pick in next month’s NFL draft[/caption]
Projected by some to be a top three pick in Green Bay in this April’s draft, others suggest he may experience a draft day slide.
Shedeur’s stock was so high in college that his father – who also happens to be head coach of the Buffaloes – suggested he would control his own draft fate.
“I know where I want them to go,” Deion said of his son and teammate Travis Hunter last March, before the latter went on to win the Heisman Trophy.
“So, it’s certain cities that ain’t going to happen. It’s going to be an Eli.”
‘Eli’ is a reference to two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning.
In 2004, he was selected with the first overall pick by the then San Diego Chargers, for whom he said he wouldn’t play.
One hour later, the team traded Manning to the New York Giants where he played for 16 seasons, winning two Super Bowls.
A rookie controlling their draft fate is rare. And while Deion suggested last year that his two Colorado stars could choose where they go, he has this week insisted he will be happy to see his son on any NFL team.
“Shedeur has told me, he’s talked to me intently about all the visits he’s had with all the teams, so I know where his heart is, I know where he wants to go,” the Pro Football Hall of Famer said during an interview with The Skip Bayless Show posted on Thursday.
“If it’s New York, it’s New York, if it’s Tennessee, if it’s Cleveland, if it’s still the Raiders, if it’s New Orleans, if it’s any of those teams that are seeking a quarterback, I’m happy with it, man.
“Because I know what he’s going to do to the organization.”
Bayless then followed up by asking if Deion would try to ‘orchestrate’ where his son is drafted.
“No, no, no,” he responded.
“Because that’s not God’s will right now. I want Shedeur to do what he’s consistently done — excel against all odds.
“I like the hating, I like the naysaying, I like the ignorance because it makes us feel better about what we do and it gives him another chip on his shoulder.”
While Deion has suggested he will avoid ‘orchestrating’ where Shedeur will land, his admission that he knows of any preference suggests that his son does indeed have a plan heading into next month’s draft.
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Shedeur is almost certain to be a top 10 pick (with Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward projected to be the first quarterback off the board and potential the first overall pick).
There are a number of teams said to be chasing the star, as Deion has suggested.
If the Tennessee Titans take Ward at No.1, that would open the door for the likes of the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders or even the New Orleans Saints, to draft Shedeur.
While the Buffaloes QB and his father ‘know in their hearts’ where he wants to go, it’s unlikely that information will become public.
So at next month’s draft, expect to see Shedeur smiling from ear to ear, no matter what jersey he’s holding.
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