Deion Sanders Reveals Why Shedeur Is Receiving Draft Hate

For much of the cycle, Sanders has been billed as a top quarterback with a legitimate shot of going No. 1 overall. That remains possible, but recent reports about teams questioning his personality as “brash” and “arrogant” have opened the door for a first-round fall.

Sanders has given some fuel to the fire with a handful of ill-advised quotes that look an awful lot like throwing teammates under the bus, but others in the industry will back his character and pound the table for his football character. Nevertheless, many fans have concerns about Sanders, who has quickly become one of the class’ most polarizing quarterbacks.

Deion, his father, coach, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, revealed why the Cleveland Browns draft target is getting hated on so frequently.

"Why are you the only kid they're hating on?," Deion asked Shedeur on the “2Legendary” podcast.

"Cause you 'Prime Time,'" Shedeur said, regarding the high profile his father carries.

"No, because they want you to slide to their team," Deion said, affirming his son as one of the best prospects in this year's draft. It's a game, but we know the game. We Sanders, baby!"

Perhaps fans are wish casting concerns onto Sanders with the hopes of deflating his stock, but the validity of his profile as a truly elite quarterback prospect might do more damage than slights over his personality.

In a league with titans under center boasting elite arm talent and athleticism, it’s hard to find success without either. Sanders, generously, boasts average physical tools, making his accuracy, intangibles, and ability to avoid turnovers all the more important.

There’s a path to being a superstar quarterback without 80-grade tools, like Cincinnati Bengals passer Joe Burrow. But the paths to success are much narrower. Is Sanders unique above the shoulders? Can he elevate a supporting cast without the raw playmaking ability of his peers?

If Sanders falls out of the top five, 10, or 15 selections in April’s NFL Draft, it’s more likely due to his less inspiring ceiling than his knack for rubbing people the wrong way. 

However, if Cleveland does take him at No. 2, it would be an affirmation that his confidence and experience in the spotlight is an endearing trait, not the offense that some fans are criticizing him for.