Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famer Cris Carter has delivered a scathing critique of Shedeur Sanders following the quarterback’s unexpected slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter, known for his candid commentary, did not hold back in attributing Sanders’ draft-day fall to a series of missteps and perceived entitlement.
Carter’s Candid Critique
Carter expressed that Sanders’ approach to the pre-draft process was flawed, suggesting that the quarterback and his family overestimated his market value. He highlighted several factors contributing to the draft slide:
- Entitlement Perception: Carter noted that Sanders’ demeanor during interviews left many NFL personnel feeling he was “very, very entitled,” which raised concerns about his fit within a professional locker room.
- Pre-Draft Decisions: Sanders’ choice to skip the NFL Combine and his underwhelming pro day performance were seen as missed opportunities to showcase his abilities and commitment.
- Family Influence: Carter criticized the strategy of narrowing preferred teams, likening it to the approach taken by Eli Manning, but without the same leverage or justification.
Carter emphasized that these decisions likely cost Sanders significantly, estimating a loss of “at least” $30 million due to his draft position. He also pointed out that while Sanders possesses talent, NFL teams questioned whether he had “generational” abilities, especially given perceptions of being “coddled” under his father, Deion Sanders’ coaching.
Broader Reactions to Sanders’ Draft Slide
Carter’s comments add to a chorus of reactions surrounding Sanders’ draft experience:
- Mel Kiper Jr.: The ESPN analyst expressed disbelief over Sanders’ fall, criticizing the NFL’s quarterback evaluation process. However, Kiper faced backlash for his passionate defense, with some fans calling for his retirement due to perceived outdated perspectives.
- Dave Portnoy: The Barstool Sports founder labeled the draft outcome as the “worst in history,” suggesting that Deion Sanders’ outspoken nature may have deterred teams from selecting Shedeur earlier.
- Stephen A. Smith: The ESPN commentator compared Sanders’ draft slide to Colin Kaepernick’s NFL exit, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation.
Sanders’ Response and Outlook
Despite the disappointment, Shedeur Sanders has remained optimistic. Upon being drafted by the Cleveland Browns at pick No. 144, he expressed gratitude and determination to prove his worth. Sanders faces competition in a crowded quarterback room but has the opportunity to learn and grow within the organization.
In an unexpected twist, KFC’s social media team offered words of encouragement, drawing a parallel between Sanders’ journey and Colonel Sanders’ persistence, stating, “Sometimes all a Sanders needs is a little time to cook.”
