“This Was an Opportunity That I Think Shedeur and His Camp Are Really Missing Out On, Where He Could Show That He Is That No. 1 Quarterback in This Class,” Says Matt Miller on Shedeur Sanders’ Decision to Skip Workout at NFL Scouting Combine, Sparking Conversations Around His Draft Prospects and Future in the NFL Draft Process
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight on college football’s top prospects intensifies, with many eyes currently fixed on Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Jackson State University. But a recent decision has drawn some mixed reactions from analysts and insiders alike. Matt Miller, a renowned NFL Draft analyst, shared his thoughts on Sanders’ choice to bypass the NFL Scouting Combine’s workouts, a move that many believe could have been a game-changer for his draft stock.
The NFL Scouting Combine is widely regarded as a crucial event for prospects, offering an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, athleticism, and mental acumen in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. For quarterbacks, it’s a chance to demonstrate throwing mechanics, decision-making, and overall command of the game in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. Sanders, who is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 Draft, made waves when he announced that he would not be participating in the on-field workouts at the combine.
Matt Miller, speaking on his podcast, expressed his concerns about this decision, calling it a missed opportunity for Sanders and his camp. “This was an opportunity that I think Shedeur and his camp are really missing out on, where he could show that he is that No. 1 quarterback in this class,” Miller said, emphasizing that the combine would have allowed Sanders to solidify his place among the draft’s elite quarterbacks. Sanders, who is known for his poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities, has already made a name for himself with impressive performances throughout his college career. However, Miller suggested that skipping the combine could create a sense of uncertainty among NFL evaluators who were eager to see how Sanders stacks up against his competition in a controlled, competitive environment.
Miller’s comments have sparked a wider debate within the football community, with some agreeing that Sanders could have further cemented his status as the top quarterback in the 2025 draft class. Others, however, argue that Sanders’ decision may be strategic, choosing to focus on other aspects of his preparation and avoiding potential injury or risk. Critics of the combine itself have pointed out that, while it offers a glimpse into a player’s physical traits, it doesn’t always capture the full extent of a quarterback’s potential in a real game situation.
For Sanders, the decision to sit out the combine workouts could be a part of a broader strategy to maintain control over his narrative and ensure that his draft prospects remain solid. After all, Sanders has already faced significant attention over the past few seasons as the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Despite the scrutiny, he has thrived under the national spotlight, leading Jackson State to several notable victories and developing a reputation as one of the most polished quarterbacks in the country.
That being said, there’s a very real possibility that Sanders could miss out on a key opportunity to distinguish himself from other quarterback prospects such as Caleb Williams from USC and Drake Maye from North Carolina. Both Williams and Maye are widely regarded as top-tier quarterbacks who have benefited from participating in combine workouts, and their ability to impress scouts during those critical moments has only strengthened their position in the upcoming draft.
Whether or not Sanders’ decision to skip the combine workout will significantly impact his draft stock remains to be seen. However, his ability to manage expectations, stay healthy, and continue his development on his own terms could play a pivotal role in shaping his future as an NFL quarterback. As the NFL Draft draws nearer, it’s clear that the spotlight will remain on Sanders, and many are eager to see how he fares in his continued journey toward professional football.
