Shedeur Sanders made waves in the NFL world over the weekend during his pro day as the NFL Draft approaches. With just weeks until the draft, Sanders is a top candidate to be one of the first players chosen. His pro day performance included a moment that got people talking, particularly about his throwing mechanics.
The star quarterback from the Colorado Buffaloes was seen patting the ball before releasing it, a gesture that sparked a debate on social media and among former NFL players.
Sanders’ Unconventional Throwing Motion Sparks Debate Among NFL Players and Analysts
Sanders’ throwing motion became a point of contention during his pro day. The quarterback’s habit of patting the ball before throwing it caught the attention of former NFL players, especially Kyle Sloter, who raised concerns about its potential impact on his performance in the NFL.
Sloter, known for his experience as a QB, noted that while patting the ball is common to initiate a throwing motion, Sanders’ decision to bring the ball to his free hand for a pat could cause issues with timing and accuracy. Sloter warned that such a habit could become problematic in the future.

Following Sloter’s critique, other NFL players joined the conversation, offering differing perspectives on Sanders’ mechanics. Andre Cisco, a defensive back for the New York Jets, warned that Sanders’ ball-patting habit could make him vulnerable to defenders.
Cisco argued that defenders would have an easier time breaking on the ball early, which could lead to turnovers. Meanwhile, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton offered a counterpoint, downplaying the significance of Sanders’ technique. Slayton argued that if ball-patting were truly a major issue, defenders would be more successful in intercepting passes, suggesting that the critique was overblown.
Mixed Reactions on Sanders’ Mechanics Highlight Subjective Evaluation of His NFL Potential
The debate over Sanders’ mechanics continued to draw mixed reactions from fans and analysts. While some, like Cisco, believed that the technique could be a serious flaw that affects Sanders’ performance, others, like Slayton, dismissed the concern as insignificant.
The diversity of opinions highlighted the subjective nature of evaluating quarterbacks’ mechanics, especially when considering a player’s potential in the NFL. Sanders’ throwing motion, while unconventional, may not be a deal-breaker for his success at the next level.
Despite the scrutiny over his mechanics, Shedeur Sanders remains a highly regarded prospect for the NFL Draft. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur had an outstanding final season at Colorado, where he passed for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns. These impressive statistics have solidified his position as one of the top quarterbacks available in the draft. Regardless of his pro day performance or the debate over his technique, Sanders is poised for a successful career in the NFL and could become a star in the league.