Shedeur Sanders, one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, has made the decision to skip the on-field workouts at the NFL Combine and instead showcase his arm at Colorado’s Pro Day.
The star quarterback, projected as a top-five pick in this year’s draft, will still attend the Combine but will focus exclusively on the interview portion rather than participating in drills.
This move, while not uncommon for top-tier quarterbacks, signals a strategic decision from Sanders and his camp. By opting out of the NFL Combine workouts, he avoids performing in an unfamiliar setting with receivers he hasn’t worked with before.
Instead, he will take full control of his Pro Day environment in Boulder, throwing to his own receivers on his own schedule—an approach many elite QB prospects have taken in the past.
Sanders' decision to skip the on-field drills and testing at the Combine doesn’t necessarily indicate any concerns about his athleticism or arm talent. In fact, many top quarterbacks have taken a similar approach in recent years, including Joe Burrow, Bryce Young, and Caleb Williams.
The Combine is an intense, pressure-filled environment, and for quarterbacks, timing and chemistry with unfamiliar wide receivers can sometimes lead to underwhelming performances.
By choosing to throw at Colorado’s Pro Day, Sanders ensures that he is operating in a comfortable environment with receivers he already has a connection with.
This controlled setting will allow him to display his arm strength, accuracy, and mobility without the potential inconsistencies that come with unfamiliar teammates and surroundings.
While Sanders won’t be participating in the physical drills in Indianapolis, he will still take part in one of the most important aspects of the Combine—the interview process. Teams will have the opportunity to meet with him face-to-face, assess his football IQ, leadership skills, and ability to process information quickly.
For quarterbacks, the interview process can be just as important as physical performance. Front offices want to know how well a quarterback can understand NFL-level playbooks, how they respond to adversity, and how they handle leadership responsibilities.
Sanders’ ability to impress in these meetings will be crucial in solidifying his draft stock.
Sanders enters the draft as one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. After an impressive college career under the guidance of his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has proven himself as a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and elite pocket presence.
Despite playing behind an inconsistent offensive line at Colorado, Sanders showcased his ability to make big-time throws under pressure. His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to extend plays make him a highly coveted prospect in this year’s draft.
NFL scouts have been closely monitoring his development, and many believe he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. While some may question his decision to skip the Combine workouts, it’s unlikely to have a major impact on his draft stock.
With the Combine interviews ahead and his Pro Day set for mid-to-late March, Sanders will have plenty of opportunities to impress NFL teams before the draft. He’ll continue preparing for the draft process by fine-tuning his mechanics, meeting with teams, and preparing for the mental aspects of the game.
The real test will come on Colorado’s Pro Day, where he will be expected to put on a show for scouts, coaches, and general managers.
If he delivers a standout performance, he could solidify himself as a top-five pick and possibly even challenge for the No. 1 overall selection.
For now, all eyes are on Shedeur Sanders as he prepares to take the next step in his journey to the NFL.
