Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Draft expert questions Shedeur Sanders' NFL Scouting Combine decision

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 7:07 PM ET

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders reportedly won't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, which starts Thursday. One draft expert isn't a fan of that choice.

On Sunday, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport tweeted Sanders (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) plans to only interview with teams at the combine and throw at his pro day later this offseason.

On a Monday episode of "NFL Live," ESPN's Matt Miller said he understands top QBs have recently opted not to throw at the combine, but Sanders could be missing out on a huge opportunity.

"I'm not a fan of this," Miller said. "I think you take every opportunity given to you to prove you're the guy. We heard in a soundbite him saying, 'I'm going to be the guy.' Go show you're the guy ... C.J. Stroud threw at the combine [and so did] Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes."

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On his updated big board, Miller ranks Sanders as his No. 2 QB behind Miami's Cam Ward (6-foot-2, 223 pounds). A solid showing at the combine could help Sanders prove he's the better prospect.

However, not throwing at the combine probably won't impact Sanders' stock. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels — the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft — didn't throw at the combine. Neither did Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in 2024.

Sanders may not be the same caliber of prospect as Daniels or Williams, but the 2025 class isn't considered deep at QB, which is one reason he may be selected earlier than he would've been in past drafts.

In Tankathon's latest mock draft, Ward and Sanders are the only first-round QBs. The New York Giants take Sanders with pick No. 3.

Plus, Sanders already has plenty of tape. In two seasons with Colorado, he completed 71.8% of his passes for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns.

While Miller said Sanders throwing at the combine would boost his stock, there seems to be little incentive for him to do so.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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