Shedeur Sanders won’t throw at the NFL Scouting Combine. While the Colorado Buffaloes quarterback has garnered significant hype ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, he has decided not to participate in throwing drills at the Combine, which means he won’t improve or harm his standing. This decision was made by Sanders on Sunday afternoon on a relatively quiet day in the sports world.
According to an NFL.com article, “Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders plans to focus on his interviews with teams at the combine, helping them continue to learn him as a person,” as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Sunday. Sanders’ choice not to throw in Indianapolis is not surprising; in recent years, many viewed the situation as one where prospects risk more by potentially underperforming in a workout than they gain from a standout performance. This holds particularly true for quarterbacks, who already have ample game tape available. A poor showing in a free environment can reflect badly on a player’s prospects.
As a result, a more risk-averse approach has become increasingly common in recent seasons. It’s a strategic decision that has gained traction.
Sanders is projected to be among the top quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, competing with Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward for the coveted spot, and it remains uncertain who will go off the board first. This year’s NFL Scouting Combine is set to commence on February 27 in Indianapolis, Indiana.