Shedeur Sanders’ Colorado pro day proved to be divisive in the NFL community, and Cowboys star Micah Parsons joined the list of people criticizing the quarterback afterwards.
Sanders, who is expected to be an early first-round pick in this month’s NFL Draft, worked out in front of NFL teams this week at his alma mater’s pro day.
And video footage of the passer’s workout – in particular, his tendency to ‘pat’ the ball before throwing it – drew a wide range of opinions online.
In response to an X post calling Sanders’ workout ‘concerning,’ Giants receiver Darius Slayton defended Sanders’ technique.
‘I promise he can pat the ball and be just fine if [defensive backs] was so good at breaking on ball pats they’d all have 8+ picks a year,’ he said. ‘Same guys that fall for a 2 man dagger concept and give up the dig on 3rd&long every season all season long talkin bout a ball pat what a joke.’
His NFC East rival Parsons disagreed with that opinion and responded to Slayton.
Shedeur Sanders worked out for his pro day in front of NFL teams this week in Boulder
Micah Parsons criticized the quarterback after seeing footage of him ‘patting’ the ball
‘You realize at Pat on the ball can be difference between a sack or a throw away/completion?’ he asked.
However, Slayton continued defending Sanders as he referenced the quarterback many consider to be the NFL’s GOAT.
‘Tom Brady literally the king of getting the ball out fast [and] patted the ball when he threw. So actually no patting the ball is not the difference.
‘Comparing the greatest quarterback ever to sanders is why I’ll never entertain a football conversation with you!!,’ Sanders shot back. ‘Like what are we doing here??’
The Cowboys pass rusher, who is currently seeking a new long-term contract from the team, was not the only NFL player criticize Sanders’ mechanics.
In fact, newly-signed Jets safety Andre Cisco did so in a much harsher manner.
‘Boy better stop patting that ball, we breakin onnat earlyyyy,’ he responded to the video.
Sanders, who tossed 37 touchdowns last season for the Buffaloes, has settled in as the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the eyes of most scouts.
Sanders is expected to be the second quarterback taken in this year’s NFL Draft
Giants WR Darius Slayton also got involved in the debate and defended Sanders’ technique
Former Miami passer Cam Ward is expected to be the first quarterback off the board.
Nonetheless, Sanders could go as high as second in the draft, with the Browns in need of a quarterback.
The Giants could also be in play a pick later, even despite signing Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in free agency.
Slayton’s teammate, offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor, appeared to reference that possibility as he told the wide receiver, ‘I see what [you’re] trying to do.’
‘I’ve already told you before I tell the truth for free I don’t have agendas,’ Slayton shot back.
Regardless of where Sanders ends up, it’s a near-certainty that he’ll find out his NFL home on the first night of the NFL Draft on April 24 – unless he drops to the second round.
