Johnny Manziel has high praise for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, suggesting he could be the top quarterback selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. Sanders has been impressive this season, leading the Buffaloes to a 4-2 record with his strong play. Despite a recent loss to Kansas State, Sanders has completed 72.6% of his passes for 2,018 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. In the game against Kansas State, Sanders threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his talent even in defeat.
Despite his belief in Sanders’ abilities, Manziel is skeptical that certain teams at the top of the draft board would select him due to their current quarterback situations. He mentions the Carolina Panthers, who acquired Bryce Young but then benched him in favor of Andy Dalton after a poor start to the season. The Panthers gave up significant draft capital to obtain Young, who has not lived up to expectations. The situation with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who invested heavily in Trevor Lawrence, is different according to Manziel, as they have committed to Lawrence for the long term despite a tough start to the season.
The Jaguars signed Lawrence to a lucrative contract extension through 2030, showing their commitment to the former Clemson star. Despite their 1-5 record, the Jaguars are standing behind Lawrence as they look to turn their season around. Meanwhile, Sanders will have another opportunity to showcase his skills and make his case as the top quarterback in the draft when Colorado takes on Arizona. With Sanders’ impressive statistics and leadership on the field, he is attracting attention from NFL scouts and analysts looking ahead to the draft next April.
Manziel highlights the challenges some teams face in evaluating their quarterback situations and making decisions about their future at the position. While some teams may be hesitant to move on from their current quarterbacks, others like the Panthers and Jaguars have made significant investments in young signal-callers and are invested in their development. As Sanders continues to excel for Colorado, he is proving himself as a legitimate contender to be the top quarterback drafted in 2024.
Sanders’ performance against strong competition like Kansas State demonstrates his ability to thrive in pressure situations and lead his team effectively. With his impressive completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and overall impact on the Buffaloes’ success, Sanders is making a strong case for himself as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. As the season progresses and Sanders continues to shine, NFL scouts and analysts will be closely monitoring his progress and considering his potential as a starting quarterback at the next level.
