Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter didn’t mince words when discussing Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected fall to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Carter, the blame for Sanders’ plummet lies solely with the quarterback himself.
Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, entered the draft with high expectations after an impressive collegiate career. However, his decision-making, particularly during the pre-draft process, has raised eyebrows.
Cris Carter's Harsh Critique
Carter, known for his blunt and insightful commentary, took to the airwaves to offer his take on Sanders’ draft position. “You’re going for a job interview,” Carter remarked, emphasizing that the NFL Draft is essentially a series of interviews for future employment. “You can’t show up unprepared and expect to be taken seriously. The reality is, Shedeur Sanders didn’t do enough in those interviews.”
While many experts expected Sanders to be selected higher, possibly in the first or second round, his slip to the fifth round shocked many. According to Carter, Sanders’ draft slide is indicative of a lack of professional polish during the pre-draft process, including poor interviews and underwhelming workouts.
The NFL Draft: More Than Just Stats
For Sanders, who had a stellar college career, the NFL Draft is about more than just game tape and statistics. Interviews with team executives, coaches, and scouts are crucial in determining a player’s draft stock. In Sanders’ case, Carter believes his preparation, or lack thereof, led to questions about his readiness for the pros.
“Teams want to know how you handle adversity, how you approach the business side of things,” Carter continued. “It’s not just about what you do on the field. It’s about the total package.”
What’s Next for Shedeur Sanders?
Despite his fall to the fifth round, Sanders remains a talented player with immense potential. However, he now faces the challenge of proving himself in the NFL, where every misstep can be magnified. Teams will be closely watching his development, and he will need to show that he can learn from his mistakes and prove his worth at the next level.
In the NFL, the difference between a first-round pick and a fifth-round pick often comes down to more than just talent — it’s about professionalism, preparation, and making the most of every opportunity. Sanders now finds himself with a chance to prove the doubters wrong, starting with his rookie season.
Conclusion:
Cris Carter’s criticism highlights a significant lesson for young athletes: talent alone is often not enough to secure a high draft spot in the NFL. For Shedeur Sanders, the fall to the fifth round is a wake-up call, and he will need to prove himself both on and off the field in order to make his mark in the league.