Former Heisman winner Cam Newton believes Shedeur Sanders minimized Coach Prime's "real capabilities" to become the best version of himself

Deion Sanders hasn't yet coached a college football team without his son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, behind center. That consistency and the emotion that's tied into an offense being in the hands of his son, has been somewhat of a hindrance for Coach Prime according to former NFL MVP Cam Newton.

"I honestly do think, in my heart of hearts," Newton said on ESPN's First Take on Friday, "I think Deion has had so much of a vested interest in his son that it has minimized his real capabilities of being the best coach that he possibly can be. I'm more excited that Shedeur, Shilo, those guys go to the league, and now we see a better version of Deion Sanders."

Newton spoke about the emotional investment that Sanders could have had when he was coaching his sons and said:

"When you don't have none of those kids that share your last name in that locker room, now (you have) the best of the best. Now, you don't have no conflict of interest, so to speak."

Responding to Newton's comments, Stephen A. Smith said that he felt Shedeur Sanders was "pretty damn elite at the collegiate level." Newton then asked Smith if he thought Sanders would have been a four-year starter if he hadn't been coached by his father to which Smith said that Sanders was a definite starter in his last two years. Smith added that he hadn't followed Sanders enough in the first two years.

Is Shedeur Sanders a top-flight NFL quarterback prospect?

While Shedeur Sanders and Colorado turned it around this season, giving themselves a shot to reach the college football playoffs, some experts aren't so sure that Sanders should be taken early in April's NFL Draft.

Former NFL scout Daniel Kelly thought a lot was lacking in Shedeur's performance against BYU in the Alamo Bowl, which will likely serve as the Buffaloes quarterback's last audition before the draft.

"Went back and watched the tape this morning—Shedeur Sanders melted down like a snowman against No. 17 BYU," Kelly wrote on X shortly after that contest. "Can't even imagine how timid and overwhelmed he will look against the speed and complexity of the #NFL"

Nonetheless, Sanders is still considered to be in the mix as one of the first players to be taken in the draft. In recent days, rumors have swirled about a possible reunion for the Sanders family at the next level.

Pat McAfee spoke about the excitement that would come with Coach Prime climbing to the NFL to take over at the helm of the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing Shedeur with him. It might just be the biggest storyline of the off-season if it happens.