Titans head coach defends quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders after controversial draft decision at 2025 NFL Scouting Combine
Brian Callahan backs up Shedeur Sanders.
INDIANAPOLIS – Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders does not plan to throw in front of teams at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Sanders made the announcement last week via Ian Rapoport that he was going to focus on his interviews instead, helping teams continue to learn about him as a person. His four years of college tape will speak for his on-field ability.
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Sanders opting out of throwing was met with some expected criticism from the NFL world. "He's scared to get embarrassed. He doesn't want to compete. This is a missed opportunity for him"….We've heard it all before.
But make no mistake about it, the teams considering draft Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft won't hold this against him.
Callahan defends Sanders
As much as Titans head coach Brian Callahan would like to see these top prospects work out at the combine, he understands that this is how things work in the modern-day NFL.
"I would always like to see guys versus not, but I understand what it is. I know what this process looks like. I know where guys see themselves and why they don't do it," Callahan told me in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
"Certainly would love to [see Sanders throw], but I don't have any real issue with the decision. I don't hold it against them. I get where they're coming from, but if you're asking me if I would like to see them…Of course I would."
This is consistent with what Callahan said about draft prospects during the pre-draft cycle. I remember picking his brain on Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and all of the top three quarterbacks opting out during combine week.
"I think you're seeing players become more empowered and understanding that they have leverage," he said last year.
While it may feel different and be slightly more frustrating now that Callahan's Titans are sitting with a need at quarterback and the first overall pick, the thought process is the same. The Titans are not going to be turned off because they didn't see get to Sanders throwing against air at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tennessee already believes Sanders has adequate arm strength. Other pieces of the puzzle like anticipation and accuracy are on display on the tape.
During his media availability on Tuesday, Callahan reiterated his belief that Ward and Sanders are the slam dunk top two talents in the 2025 quarterback class. The line is pretty clear. The talent drops off significantly, which is exactly why Sanders has the power to make these decisions,
While Ward is currently on track and scheduled to throw on Saturday, I'm expecting a similar announcement from him before the week is over.
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