Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has drawn comparisons to one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and quarterback at Colorado, was widely projected to be a first-round selection by many analysts but ultimately slipped to the fifth round. During draft coverage, Sanders’ pro comparison, according to draft expert Matt Miller, was Goff—who has played a key role in the Lions’ turnaround.
Sanders’ style of play reminds some of the Lions’ standout quarterback. Shared traits between the two include their precision and effectiveness in dissecting defenses with short and intermediate throws. Both are known for their accuracy and control in that phase of the game.
The former Colorado star does bring more athleticism than Goff, though he was also criticized for taking too many sacks, often from holding the ball too long in college.
Draft analyst Steve Muench commented, “The Browns had already drafted Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in Round 3, and now they take Sanders. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has had success coaching accurate quarterbacks like Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins. Gabriel and Sanders fit that mold and can compete.
Taking two quarterbacks with Flacco, Pickett, and an injured Watson on the roster may seem excessive, but Sanders offers great value. It boosts their odds of finding a solid backup—or even a starter.”
After the NFL Draft ended, Lions GM Brad Holmes was asked if the team discussed the surprising drop of the Colorado quarterback.
“I just think everyone does their own evaluations, and like I said earlier, there’s often a lot of information that’s missing or not available. If all you hear is the hype about a player, then that’s all you know,” Holmes said. “If you don’t take time to gather full information, watch all the tape over the last two years—not just for him, but for any player—it’s tough to truly evaluate.”
Holmes added, “Again, a lot of that info just isn’t out there. I never want to see a player in a tough spot, but I’ve seen this happen before. I’m not pointing fingers at anyone, but sometimes the narrative from the media isn’t the full picture.”
