“He can’t take that on a pro level”: Stephen A. Smith issues reality check to NFL coaches as Shedeur Sanders gears up for his big move

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is projected to be the first quarterback off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. Beginning his collegiate career at Jackson State, he spent the last two seasons in Boulder and solidified himself as a top quarterback. Sanders rushed for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns passing this season in the Big 12 while helping the Buffs to a 9-4 campaign.

However, one thing NFL teams should assess before drafting Sanders is that he has undergone several physical tackles on the field. During his debut with the Buffs, Sanders was the most sacked QB with 52 sacks. He was sacked 42 times this season.

On Saturday's episode of ESPN's "First Take," Stephen A. Smith highlighted this stat of Sanders while talking about his draft projection. He said NFL teams should ensure they have a strong O-line to defend the QB as the severity of the tackles will be greater in the NFL.

"I think Shedeur Sanders has proven himself to be pretty damn elite at the collegiate level," Smith said. (8:40) "And I think that he's going to be big time on the pro level as well, assuming he gets a little bit bigger."

"Cause I think that he does playing against them men when they gonna put a lick on him. He took a lot of licks in college. He can't take that on a pro level. I can tell you that right now ... If that happens, he ain't gonna last long (in the NFL)."

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Pat McAfee shares his insights on Shedeur Sanders' draft projection

Several experts believe the Colorado QB will be the No.1 overall pick in the draft. However, on Tuesday, Pat McAfee shared his insights on the quarterback's draft projection on his show.

According to McAfee, despite being projected as the No.1 overall pick, NFL evaluators still have doubts about Coach Prime's son.

"Interesting coversation about Shedeur right now, Cam Ward and all the other quarterback coming out right now," McAfee said. (38:00) "I am not a draft analyst, I do not study film and project where the people are gonna get drafted. I've seen Shedeur spin it, I've seen Shedeur take massive hits. I know Shedeur has been around NFL brains his entire life, I saw what they were able to do to Colorado.

To turn it around from a nothing into a massive something and obviously, there are other stars around him and I just naturally assume that Shedeur is gonna be a guy in the NFL. Then you hear these draft experts and they are saying that, 'The people we are talking to are saying Shedeur ain't the No.1 overall type of guy.' But there's people who aren't as high on Cam and Shedeur as quarterbacks as maybe we all are from outside looking in."

Shedeur Sanders will be in the talks during the draft in April. However, with the Titans securing the No.1 pick, it will be interesting to see how it plays out for him in the end.