Deion Sanders offers hint as to when Shedeur Sanders will enter NFL Draft

Even though University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has made no official announcement on his NFL Draft plans, his dad and head coach, Deion Sanders, has had plenty to say on the subject. 

He offered even more thoughts this week when talking about his son's draft plans, and it does not sound like he will be entering the 2024 class.

“Why would we, when we’re having a great time here?” said Sanders, via On3.com. “When we appreciate and love where we are, it’s hard to look at somewhere else.”

He continued:

“Shedeur is a pro. He’s a pro in college football,” Sanders explained. “I mean, he knows how to handle you all (the media). He knows how to handle taking care of his academics. He knows how to act in public. I mean, he’s one with the game. When he’s holding up his watch and all that stuff, that’s fine to him. He’s a kid. You guys are trying to throw adulthood on him. I want him to enjoy his life and his game. He’s a great — you don’t know him like I know him because I’m his dad. He’s a great human being. He’s really a great young man. He’s good for the game. He’s good for his teammates. He’s good for college football."

He is not far off about the "pro in college football" comment, either. 

It used to be that when a player with Sanders' skill and potential became NFL Draft eligible they would immediately turn pro so they could start making money to play football and not worry about injuries ruining that chance.

But thanks to NIL deals and sponsorship the elite college players can make significant money to stay in college and not have to worry about going to a situation in the NFL that may not be ideal for them or for winning.

Sanders is one of the most marketable players in college football, not only because of his skill and potential but also because of his last name and the connection to his dad. He is not struggling for money right now. 

Sanders is in his first year at Colorado and has put up huge numbers. He has completed 70 percent of his passes and has already thrown for 2,882 yards with 24 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He has done that despite playing a tough schedule in the Pac-12 and behind an offensive line that has badly struggled all season. 

It also might be beneficial for him to wait another year given how strong the top of the 2024 quarterback class is. The 2024 class will feature Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. all at the top. 

If Sanders waits another year and has another massive season — especially in one where he will probably be a preseason Heisman Trophy front-runner — he could significantly improve his draft stock and perhaps be one of the top quarterbacks taken in the 2025 class.