NFL analyst lays out similarities between Deion Sanders' son Shedeur Sanders and Seatle Seahawks' star Geno Smith

Shedeur Sanders enters his last season in college football in 2024 and there's already a lot of debate on his route to the NFL. The quarterback was impressive last season despite Colorado’s struggles and he is expected to solidify his first-round projection in the upcoming season.

In a recent analysis made by NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, Shedeur Sanders was compared to Seattle Seahawks quarterback and two-time Pro Bowler Geno Smith. The analyst compared the two quarterbacks in terms of their brilliant passing as well as their average rushing skills.

“Like Smith during his time with the Mountaineers, Sanders plays in a wide-open college offense that showcases his polish as a passer,” Jeremiah wrote on NFL.com. “Both Smith and Sanders have beautiful throwing motions and deliver a firm, catchable ball. While each is capable of taking the free yards presented in the run game, neither is dynamic as a ball carrier.”

Jeremiah believes Shedeur Sanders will thrive in the NFL

Not every quarterback who had a brilliant career in college football goes on to succeed in the NFL. Many of them over time disappeared on the professional stage after failing to adapt to the style and trait. Daniel Jeremiah does not see that happening to Shedeur Sanders.

His precise throws which hardly get intercepted are a good reason Jeremiah believes Sanders will thrive in the NFL. He believes the Buffaloes' quarterback is able to scan the field well and has all kinds of throws in his arsenal. This is coupled with his ability to perform under scrutiny.

“Sanders has the foundation in place to develop into a solid NFL starter,” Jeremiah wrote. “I love that he doesn't throw interceptions. He sees the field well and can make every type of throw. He's ultra-competitive and has been able to function while under an avalanche of attention and pressure.”

Jeremiah suggests where Shedeur Sanders needs to improve

Daniel Jeremiah has no doubt that Shedeur Sanders has a future in the NFL. However, he thinks the quarterback has to improve in some areas to fit in well. Most important is his lack of urgency in releasing the ball, which often results in him getting sacked.

“While I admire his willingness to exhaust every down, Sanders' tendency to never give in and hold the ball results in far too many sacks,” Jeremiah noted. “Some of these are unavoidable, to be fair. However, there are times when he tries to do too much, instead of dirtying the ball and saving yardage.”

Sanders suffered the second most sacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season. While this is partly due to Colorado’s poor offensive line, the signal-caller delay with the ball in the backfield also played a role. It is to be seen how he’ll improve on that in 2024.