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Sanders Faces Scrutiny at NFL Combine

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 22:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, UNITED STATES

Indianapolis, IN - February 24, 2026 - The annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is in full swing, with teams meticulously evaluating the next generation of NFL talent. All eyes are on the quarterback prospects, and while Caleb Williams and Drake Maye continue to be viewed as the top two, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is finding himself under intense scrutiny. The questions surrounding his abilities, particularly arm strength and decision-making, are becoming increasingly prominent as teams like the Cleveland Browns assess potential franchise signal-callers.

Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders, arrived at the Combine with significant hype. However, early reports and observations suggest his on-field performance isn't silencing the concerns some scouts have held since the collegiate season. Multiple analysts now openly question whether Sanders possesses the necessary tools to thrive in the NFL, specifically highlighting a perceived lack of elite arm talent and a tendency to make questionable decisions under pressure. While he displayed flashes of brilliance in college, translating that to the pro level appears to be a significant hurdle.

The Browns, still reeling from the disappointing tenure of Deshaun Watson, are actively searching for their long-term solution at quarterback. Watson's contract remains a significant cap burden, limiting their immediate options, and forcing GM Andrew Berry to explore all avenues, including potentially taking a risk on a prospect with untapped potential. Berry has a history of evaluating quarterbacks with unique skillsets and being willing to bet on players others might overlook. This makes Sanders, despite the red flags, a player the Browns are undoubtedly watching closely.

The Arm Strength Debate and Decision-Making Concerns

The biggest knock on Sanders appears to be his arm strength. While capable of making all the necessary throws, scouts have noted a lack of velocity, particularly on deep passes. This raises concerns about his ability to consistently challenge tight coverage and fit the ball into small windows - crucial skills for NFL quarterbacks. Teams are questioning whether he can consistently drive the ball downfield against NFL-caliber defensive backs.

Even more troubling for some is the assessment of Sanders' decision-making. While he demonstrated improved stats at Colorado, observers point to a reliance on pre-snap reads and a struggle to adjust when those reads are disrupted. The fear is that he may become predictable at the pro level, leading to turnovers and stalled drives. The quality of competition in the Pac-12 (now the Big Ten) is being heavily weighed, with concerns that his success was partly due to facing less sophisticated defenses.

The Deion Sanders Factor: Coaching Influence and Expectations

The considerable success of the Colorado football program under Deion Sanders adds another layer of complexity. While Sanders Sr. has undeniably revitalized the program, some evaluators are attempting to disentangle Shedeur's individual abilities from the benefits of a system tailored to his strengths and his father's coaching. Is Shedeur's performance a product of his talent, or a reflection of a scheme designed to maximize his capabilities?

This isn't about diminishing Deion Sanders' coaching prowess, but rather understanding the impact of the environment on a player's development. Teams are keen to assess whether Shedeur can maintain a similar level of success when placed in a different system, with different coaching, and against significantly tougher competition.

Combine Performance as a Pivotal Moment The Combine represents a crucial opportunity for Sanders to address these concerns. His performance in the throwing drills, pro day, and interviews will be heavily scrutinized. A strong showing - demonstrating improved arm velocity, accurate passes under pressure, and a clear understanding of complex defensive schemes - could significantly boost his draft stock. However, a disappointing performance could see him slide down the draft board, potentially out of reach for teams like the Browns.

Beyond the Browns, other teams with quarterback needs, such as the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots, are also closely monitoring Sanders. The pre-draft process is fluid, and a quarterback's stock can shift dramatically based on Combine performance and subsequent pro day workouts. For Shedeur Sanders, the pressure is immense - not just to fulfill his own NFL aspirations, but to live up to the legacy of his father and demonstrate he is worthy of being a franchise quarterback.