Shedeur Sanders has been one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in college football, and his confidence was on full display at last week’s NFL Scouting Combine. But according to NFL insider Peter Schrager, some NFL executives weren’t entirely impressed with the way the Colorado quarterback carried himself during interviews.
Schrager, speaking on the Bill Simmons Podcast, explained that Sanders “rubbed people the wrong way” at the Combine because of the bravado he displayed when discussing his ability to turn around struggling programs.
“His point at the Combine, and it rubbed people wrong, the way he had some bravado at it, is that he changes places when he gets there,” Schrager said.
Shedeur’s Confidence vs. NFL Perception
Sanders, who helped elevate both Jackson State and Colorado into the national spotlight, reportedly made it clear during team interviews that he believes he can do the same in the NFL.
“Jackson State went from an HBCU with no resources to suddenly being a national name,” Schrager continued. “Then he goes to Colorado, and suddenly, Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ and ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ were fighting for real estate in Boulder in Week 2. It happens.”
While this confidence aligns with how Sanders has always presented himself, some within NFL circles felt differently about his approach.
A ‘Brash’ and ‘Arrogant’ Impression?
Shortly after the Combine, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that a high-ranking coach from a team picking in the top seven took issue with Sanders’ demeanor during his interview.
“I am disappointed to hear that a quarterback’s coach from a team drafting in the top 7 referred to Shedeur Sanders as coming off ‘brash’ and ‘arrogant’ in his team interview and making his assessment known to a number of people,” Anderson wrote.
Sanders himself stood by his self-belief, making no apologies for his confidence while speaking to reporters in Indianapolis.
“We went from Jackson State to Colorado and changed two programs back-to-back,” Sanders said. “You don’t think I could come to an NFL franchise and change a program again? It’s history. It’s always going to repeat itself.”
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A History of Confidence and Backing It Up
Shedeur Sanders has always been a highly confident player, and while his personality may not appeal to every NFL front office, his on-field production speaks for itself.
At Jackson State, he set numerous program records, and at Colorado, he continued his high-level play, despite playing behind one of the most porous offensive lines in the nation. He consistently set passing accuracy records while putting up strong statistical numbers in a tough Pac-12 conference.
However, NFL teams have historically been selective about how they interpret a quarterback’s personality, and perception matters just as much as reality.
It’s not necessarily about whether Sanders is actually arrogant, but rather whether teams believe he’s arrogant—and how that perception factors into their decision-making when selecting a franchise quarterback.
The Bigger Question: Will It Impact His Draft Stock?
While some teams may have concerns about Sanders’ confidence, others could view it as a strength. In today’s NFL, quarterbacks must command a locker room, and Sanders has already proven he can do that at two different college programs.
For now, his draft stock remains a hot topic, and his pro day, private workouts, and additional interviews could determine how teams ultimately perceive him before the draft.
One thing is certain: Shedeur Sanders isn’t changing who he is for anyone—and the team that drafts him will have to embrace his confidence and leadership style along with his on-field talent.
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