Shedeur Sanders’ struggles vs Nebraska shouldn't affect 2025 NFL Draft status

In Colorado's matchup against Nebraska on Saturday night, Shedeur Sanders had one of the worst outings of his college career. The game was a series of struggles for Sanders, including a critical pick-six that shifted the momentum in favor of Nebraska.

However, a closer examination reveals that the blame for Sanders’ performance does not rest solely on his shoulders.

Early in the second quarter, Sanders threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by cornerback Tommi Hil. This pick-six was a pivotal moment in the game, putting Colorado in a difficult position down 14. While this play will undoubtedly be scrutinized, it’s important to remember the context in which it occurred.

Throughout the game, Sanders was under constant pressure from Nebraska’s defensive front. The offensive line more than struggled to provide even adequate protection for Sanders. This lack of protection severely limited the Buffalo's ability to make plays downfield. He was frequently forced to scramble, throw on the run, or take sacks, which disrupted the rhythm of the offense.

Why struggles vs Nebraska shouldn't drop Shedeur Sanders' 2025 NFL Draft stock

It’s extremely important to recognize that Sanders’ struggles were not entirely his fault. The offensive line’s inability to hold off Nebraska’s defenders left him with little time to make decisions.

Even the best quarterbacks can falter when they don’t have the necessary protection. Sanders showed toughness and poise, but the circumstances were simply too challenging to overcome.

Despite the difficulties in this game, Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft status should remain unaffected. NFL scouts and teams understand that a quarterback’s performance is heavily influenced by the quality of the offensive line. In the NFL, Sanders will likely have the benefit of a significantly better offensive line, allowing him to showcase his true potential as a traditional drop-back passer.

While the game against Nebraska was a tough outing for Shedeur Sanders, it’s important to view his performance in context. The struggles of the offensive line played a significant role in his difficulties, and this should not overshadow his overall talent and potential as a top quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft.