Matt Miller: Shedeur Sanders' 'surgical accuracy' makes him stand out as 2025 NFL Draft prospect

When it comes to quarterbacks eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders’ name comes up right away. The Colorado standout generated some Heisman Trophy buzz a year ago before the Buffs struggled in Pac-12 play, but after opting to return for another year, could find himself as one of the top players off the board in next year’s draft.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, multiple parts of Sanders’ game stand out on the tape. But his accuracy is what makes him an intriguing prospect when it comes time for teams to evaluate him.

Sanders put up solid numbers last year after joining his father, Deion, in Boulder. But he’s more than just “Coach Prime’s Son” with his playing style. His ability to find his top playmakers – even despite the struggles of Colorado’s offensive line – will catch scouts’ eyes, Miller said on “NFL Live.”

“Man, the jump last year from Jackson State – a lower level of competition – to Colorado. You expected some bumps, some acclimation. There was none of that,” Miller said. “He came out just throwing missiles from Day 1. It’s the surgical accuracy from Shedeur Sanders. And a lot of folks hear that name, we know he’s Deion’s son. You think, ‘Oh, he’s gonna be this prolific runner. He’s gonna be this huge-armed quarterback.’ That’s not his game.

“He’s 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. He carves you up with accuracy, with timing. And he trusts that accuracy to make throws that a lot of college quarterbacks aren’t going to attempt to make.”

Sanders ranked in the top 10 in the nation last season with 293.6 yards per game, missing three contests as Colorado struggled to a 4-8 record. Still, he completed 69.6% of his passes for 3,230 yards and 27 touchdowns in his first season of Power Conference football.

When looking at the film, Miller pointed out the tough throws Sanders had to make – particularly off-platform. But that was because the offensive line had a rough go. If that unit can hold up more in 2024, Sanders could be in for an even bigger year, especially since Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. are both returning as Colorado moves to the Big 12.

“You do see a lot of off-platform from him because their offensive line was the worst offensive line in college football last year,” Miller said. “Their defense was probably the worst defense in college football last year. So he had to play some hero ball. But he showed his toughness, his leadership and I cannot get over the great accuracy that he shows to all levels of the field. They return almost their entire receiver corps. Xavier Weaver, the only player they lost from last year’s class.

“He’s gonna have his guys out there – he’s gonna have Hunter, he’s gonna have Horn. I expect a big year, even a bigger year than what we saw last year, from Shedeur Sanders.”