Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Merril Hoge has garnered attention for his critical assessment of Shedeur Sanders leading up to the NFL Draft, where Sanders was surprisingly selected in the fifth round despite predictions of him being picked as high as second overall. The Cleveland Browns made the unexpected decision to draft Sanders after previously selecting quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Hoge’s perspective sheds light on the attributes that he believes are crucial for success at the professional level and challenges the perception of Sanders as a top-tier quarterback.
In an interview prior to the draft, Hoge asserted that while Sanders is a competent college quarterback, he falls short of being a franchise player. Hoge rated Sanders’ accuracy and processing skills as merely average, suggesting that if a quarterback ranks around a five on a scale of one to ten, they cannot be regarded as a first-round talent. This assessment highlights the importance of not just accuracy but also additional factors like anticipation and pocket awareness, which are essential for transitioning to the NFL.
Hoge particularly took issue with Sanders’ statistics, including his commendable completion percentage of 71.8%, claiming they were inflated due to the high number of bubble screens he threw. He argued that while these plays may boost completion rates, they will not effectively translate into success in the NFL, where teams seek skill sets akin to those of established quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud. By comparing Sanders unfavorably to these players, Hoge underscored a significant gap in talent and potential that he believes will be detrimental at the professional level.
Moreover, Hoge expressed concerns about Sanders’ ability to manage the pressure that comes with being a high draft pick. He opined that Sanders would struggle to cope with the expectations placed on him, predicting that his shortcomings could hinder the Browns’ progress for years. Although Sanders’ draft position alleviated some of the weight of expectations, it remains to be seen how his performance will unfold in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
As Sanders embarks on his NFL career, he faces rising competition for the starting quarterback role with the Browns, as neither Kenny Pickett nor Joe Flacco have solidified their positions. This creates an intriguing situation in training camp, where he will have the chance to prove himself and potentially earn the starting spot. The dynamics of the quarterback situation in Cleveland will certainly draw attention during voluntary workouts, further spotlighting the challenges facing Sanders as he adjusts to the professional game.
Gabriel, who holds the record for the most touchdown passes in college football, also found himself drafted later than anticipated, amplifying the narrative surrounding the increasingly unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Browns’ quarterbacks, and the outcomes of their performances during training will determine their trajectories in a highly scrutinized league. Ultimately, Hoge’s critiques of Sanders serve as a cautionary tale about the realities of transitioning from college football to the NFL, highlighting the nuanced requirements for success at this elite level.
