Malik Nabers Defends Shedeur Sanders, Criticizes NFL Draft Snub
The NFL Draft is always a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and, inevitably, some surprising twists and turns. This year’s draft was no exception, with one of the most talked-about storylines being the unexpected slide of Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once considered a potential first-round pick, Sanders watched as team after team passed him over, leading to a significant drop in his draft stock. This turn of events has sparked considerable debate and criticism, with many questioning the reasons behind his slide.
Among those who have spoken out in support of Sanders is New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers, who himself was selected sixth overall by the Giants in the 2024 draft, expressed his frustration and disappointment with how Sanders was treated during the draft process. He argued that Sanders’ talent and potential were being unfairly overlooked due to factors unrelated to his on-field performance.
In an appearance on the "7PM in Brooklyn" podcast, hosted by New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero, Nabers didn’t hold back his feelings about the situation. "You don’t do that to somebody like that," Nabers stated emphatically. "You can’t knock his talent."
Nabers went on to dissect the common criticisms leveled against Sanders, particularly the notion that he takes too many unnecessary sacks. Nabers countered this argument by pointing out that Sanders played behind a struggling offensive line at Colorado. Despite the O-line’s shortcomings, Sanders still managed to throw for a 70% completion rate, a testament to his accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Nabers also highlighted Sanders’ ability to escape the pocket and make plays downfield. He challenged critics to watch the film and witness Sanders’ elusiveness and arm talent, noting that he routinely evaded multiple defenders to deliver accurate passes.
Furthermore, Nabers emphasized the talent that Sanders had around him at Colorado, including Biletnikoff Award winner Travis Hunter. He argued that Sanders played a crucial role in the success of his receivers, contributing to their impressive touchdown totals.
The narrative surrounding Sanders’ draft slide often included reports of negative interviews with NFL teams. These reports suggested that Sanders’ personality and off-field ventures may have raised concerns among some organizations, leading them to pass on him.
Nabers strongly refuted the idea that a player’s personality should overshadow their on-field abilities. "We gotta stop making feelings with how people play linger," Nabers asserted. "Yeah, he might have some things that he might say on camera, off the field. Whatever’s dealing with that, that don’t have to do with how he plays football. Everybody’s got different personalities. You’re never going to meet somebody that’s got the same personality anywhere. We’re all made different. So, for them to judge him on just the things that he says or how he carries himself."
Nabers also defended Sanders’ upbringing and the influence of his father, Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame athlete and coach. "How he carries himself is all about how his dad raised him, and we all know Deion, bro. Cmon. We all know Deion."
Deion Sanders’ larger-than-life personality and outspoken nature have often made him a target of criticism, and some believe that this has unfairly impacted his son’s perception in the eyes of NFL teams. Nabers suggested that teams may have been trying to send a message to Deion Sanders by allowing his son to fall in the draft.
"They were just doing that to show how they were bigger than what he wanted to stand for," Nabers explained. "I understand that, but you don’t do that. Not to a kid like that that has been working their whole life and been told that Deion’s kids are never going to be as good as him."
Ultimately, the Cleveland Browns decided to take a chance on Sanders, adding him to their quarterback depth chart. However, the fact that Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who was generally ranked lower than Sanders by many analysts, was selected in the third round by the Browns raised further questions about the evaluation of Sanders.
Malik Nabers’ impassioned defense of Shedeur Sanders highlights the complexities and controversies that often surround the NFL Draft. While talent and potential are undoubtedly important factors, personal opinions, personality assessments, and even family connections can play a significant role in a player’s draft position. Whether Sanders will be able to prove his doubters wrong and live up to the expectations that once surrounded him remains to be seen.
