Shedeur Sanders explains why he can be No. 1 pick: 'I'm the most guaranteed risk you can take'

Although he won’t play in Thursday’s East-West Shrine Bowl, Shedeur Sanders has been busy throughout the week. He met with multiple NFL teams – including each of the top three picks – as he continues to present a strong case as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

As for why he should go atop the board, Sanders pointed to his college career. At Jackson State, he helped the program go from a 4-3 record in 2020 before his arrival to an 11-win season in 2021 and 12 wins in 2022. Then, after staying with his father Deion at Colorado, the Buffaloes went from 4-8 in Year 1 to 9-4 in Year 2.

The ability to help turn things around is important to Sanders. He said that adds to his confidence as he heads to the next level.

“We changed the program at Jackson [State University],” Sanders said, via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “We went to Colorado, changed the program. And we did everything people didn’t think we were able to do. So, that’s why I know I’m the most guaranteed risk you can take.”

Shedeur Sanders had multiple meetings at Shrine Bowl

Sanders didn’t play in Thursday’s Shrine Bowl, but was still in attendance for the game. He was also meeting with multiple teams throughout the week, including the top teams on the board.

Sanders spoke with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants – the respective top three picks – in the week leading up to the Shrine Bowl. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi said the Titans, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, spoke with Sanders for about 45 minutes.

Meeting with teams was one of Sanders’ goals for the Shrine Bowl. And even though he didn’t plan on playing, he was still on the sidelines for the game.

“I like that I’m able to get in the forefront of everything and they’re able to understand me and ask me whatever questions they want,” Sanders said. “I’m not ducking. I ain’t hiding. I’m right here, live in the flesh and able to answer whatever questions are out there.”

Sanders put together an impressive finale to his college career to set himself up for success at the next level. He completed 74% of his passes to lead the nation in completion percentage while throwing for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. He was a key piece of Colorado’s turnaround, and he’ll look to make a similar impact in the NFL wherever he ends up.