Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was likened to one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and Colorado’s quarterback, was projected by many to go in the first round but ultimately dropped to the fifth. During the draft broadcast, draft analyst Matt Miller listed Goff as Sanders’ pro comparison, as Goff has been essential to the Lions’ recent success.
Sanders’ playing style draws parallels to Detroit’s starting quarterback. Both are known for dissecting defenses with sharp, accurate throws in the short and mid-range parts of the field. Their efficiency and precision are standout traits in those areas.
Sanders has better mobility than Goff, but during his college career, he also had a habit of taking too many sacks by holding onto the ball for too long.
Draft analyst Steve Muench weighed in, saying, “The Browns already grabbed Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in Round 3, and now they take Sanders. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has succeeded with accurate passers like Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins before. Gabriel and Sanders fit that model.
While taking two quarterbacks with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and an injured Deshaun Watson already on the roster might seem like too much, Sanders was too good of a value to pass up. Drafting two QBs ups the odds of finding a solid backup or even a future starter.”
After the NFL Draft, Lions GM Brad Holmes was asked if the team discussed the surprising fall of the former Colorado quarterback.
“I just think everyone has their own evaluations, and part of what I said earlier is that sometimes there’s a lot of missing information,” Holmes said. “If all you’ve heard is a player’s supposed to be something, and you don’t dig deeper or watch all the tape from the last two years—not just for him, but for any player—it’s tough.”
Holmes elaborated, “And again, some of that information just isn’t out there. Look, I hate seeing someone go through a rough time—but I’ve seen it before. I’m not blaming anyone specific, but often, let’s say—not the player—but the media creates a narrative that isn’t the full picture.”
