“Doesn’t want to be challenged”: Former Heisman winner Cam Newton delivers clear verdict on Shedeur Sanders ahead of NFL Draft 2025

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton doesn't think Shedeur Sanders wants to be challenged.

On Thursday, the former Heisman Trophy winner appeared on ESPN's "First Take" and discussed the top college quarterback prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

"I want to see Shedeur picked as the first quarterback off the board," Newton said. "But Shedeur also does not want to be challenged. I said certain things and I'm just keep it it a buck and saying how I feel. That doesn't negate how I feel about him, his brother, his other brother, his sister and his father.

There's been history there. I've always challenged Shedeur. Publicly and, to him, in ways that are like - bro I want to see the best version of Shedeur. Shedeur has always played in a very convenient situation. I've said that numerous times."

Shedeur Sanders' Pro Football Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders, coached him in Colorado, where he has established himself as arguably the top signal-caller in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. However, Shedeur has also been subject to a ton of criticism as well. The level of competition he faced throughout his career with the Colorado Buffaloes has been questioned.

Shedeur Sanders' sack history could be a problem in the NFL

Some analysts have also pointed out that, regardless of which program he plays for and whatever offensive line blocks for him, Sheuder Sanders tends to take a lot of sacks.

Sanders comes off a senior season in which he passed for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He wrapped up the year with a 168.2 passer rating and a 74% completion percentage but was sacked 42 times. If Sanders is to translate smoothly into the NFL, that is an area that will need to be improved upon.

When Shedeur Sanders goes to the NFL, many speculated that his father could follow close behind him. However, with the Jets, Bears, Cowboys, Raiders and Jaguars filling their HC positions in quick succession, only the New Orleans Saints role remains open.

The consensus is that Deion Sanders would want to coach his sons, but that is highly unlikely to happen in New Orleans. Given the Saints have Derek Carr and a host of cap questions, along with drafting at No. 9 in 2025, a lot of things would have to happen to get Deion and Shedeur Sanders in New Orleans together, starting with hiring the Colorado HC.

Given that there is almost no chatter on this subject at the time of writing, this feels extremely unlikely.