Colorado coach Deion Sanders has confirmed he will be taking an active role in the NFL draft process for his son, Shedeur Sanders, and Colorado receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter. He stated in an interview with Fox Sports 1’s “Speak” that if his son’s future in the NFL was risked by being drafted by an inconsistent team, he would personally intervene. While he didn’t disclose which specific teams he would prefer his son play for, the former NFL star instead stressed the importance of a supportive infrastructure and team understanding his son’s needs.
Projected as likely first-round picks, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are setting their sights on the NFL. Sports commentator Dane Brugler positions Hunter as the top pick on his list, and Sanders situated third amongst quarterbacks. When asked about his ideal team for Shedeur, Deion Sanders mentioned that his son needs a team that could handle his skills whilst having a strong understanding of what the player could achieve.
Shedeur requires an organization with experience in managing quarterbacks and the ability to understand their team objectively. According to Deion Sanders, the right team shouldn’t prematurely expose a player to intensive competition without supportive infrastructure. Even though Shedeur has played with average-performing teams before, Deion deems the overall team infrastructure to be a major determinant.
The Colorado Buffaloes currently boast a 7-2 record and hold the 17th position in this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. They are in second place in the Big 12 and forecast to compete for the league title. Travis Hunter is atop The Athletic’s Heisman Straw Poll this week.
Deion Sanders has been guiding his son Shedeur from youth leagues to high school and to Jackson State, before moving together to Colorado after the 2022 season. His dedication became apparent when asked whether he had ambitions of coaching the Dallas Cowboys, where Deion played for five seasons. He detailed his true fulfillment in coaching his son and seeing his love for the game and determination to win.
This father-son dynamic in the NFL draft process is reminiscent of a similar scenario with Eli and Archie Manning in 2004. The Mannings voiced their refusal to let Eli start his career with the San Diego Chargers, resulting in Eli being drafted and then traded on the same day. Similarly, during his own draft process, Deion declined a two-hour psychological assessment, confident in his skills and worth. His active interest in his son’s draft is both a testament to his fatherhood and his strategic approach to the game.
