Shedeur Sanders is a nepo baby. That’s his blessing and his curse.

Should Shedeur Sanders not be among the first names called in the NFL draft on Thursday night, many football fans will be surprised. Sanders, who has been a four-year starter, with his first two seasons played at Jackson State University, is considered a top prospect in a draft class that NFL scouts believe lacks franchise quarterback talent. With at least five quarterback-needy teams picking in the top 10, it is expected to be an early night for Sanders.

Despite doubts expressed by various NFL coaches and league executives, who have criticized Sanders anonymously since the NFL combine, there is concern that he may slide later in the first round or even further. Some doubt stems from the level of competition Sanders faced in the Southwestern Athletic Conference at Jackson State, as well as the limited number of ranked opponents Colorado faced during the season. Sanders chose not to participate in throwing drills at the NFL combine, which may have irked some coaches and scouts, although he did throw at Colorado’s pro day.

While there are valid on-field concerns about staking a team’s future on Sanders, much of the debate centers on his father, Deion Sanders, and the potential influence he may have on Shedeur’s professional football career. Shedeur Sanders has faced accusations of nepotism, despite claims that he has earned his success through hard work. The spotlight on Sanders is also attributed to the fame and personality of his father, a Pro Football Hall of Famer known as “Prime Time.”

The comparison is drawn between Sanders and other prospects with famous football relatives, such as Arch Manning, but the difference lies in the visibility of Deion Sanders’ involvement in his son’s career. Shedeur’s college career has been intertwined with his father’s role as a coach and social media figure, drawing both support and criticism.

If Sanders experiences a fall in the draft, it may be due in part to concerns about potential interference from his father in team decisions. However, Shedeur Sanders appears unfazed by the speculation and remains focused on the opportunity ahead, viewing any outcome as a positive one.

Despite the attention and scrutiny surrounding Shedeur Sanders, the hope remains that he will be judged solely on his own merit as a draft prospect, free from external influences.