The world of college football is buzzing with excitement as Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback for Jackson State University, has been drawing the attention of NFL scouts and analysts alike. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s rise as one of the top quarterbacks in college football has been nothing short of impressive. However, as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, there’s a bigger question hanging over his future: Which NFL coach will take the leap to draft Shedeur Sanders—and how might it affect their job security?

While Shedeur’s raw talent and potential have been praised by pundits, his selection could present high risks and rewards for the team that takes a chance on him. As we know, the NFL is a league where coaches live and die by their quarterback decisions, and the pressure to make the right choice could be enormous. For the NFL coaches who are eyeing Shedeur, the stakes are sky-high.

Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star with a Legacy to Follow

Shedeur Sanders has proven himself to be a dynamic and electrifying quarterback, breaking multiple records and leading Jackson State to dominant victories under his father’s leadership. With his sharp arm, poise under pressure, and ability to read defenses, Shedeur has quickly become a standout talent in the college football world.

However, while he has all the tools to succeed at the NFL level, the question is whether he can make the leap from the SWAC to the NFL and if his potential will be enough to make an immediate impact. Unlike top-tier quarterbacks from Power 5 schools, Sanders has had to play against lower-level competition in college football, which raises questions about his readiness for the higher level of play in the NFL.

This leaves NFL coaches who are considering him with a significant gamble—one that could be a game-changer for their career.

Coaches on the Hot Seat: A Risky Decision

For some NFL coaches, drafting Shedeur Sanders could be the move that makes or breaks their career. With teams like the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders potentially looking for a quarterback, the temptation to take a chance on the son of Deion Sanders could be irresistible. But for those coaches, this is a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

The problem for NFL coaches is simple: if Shedeur turns out to be a star, they’ll be hailed as visionaries. However, if he struggles to adapt to the NFL, it could spell disaster for their job security. Quarterbacks are often the ultimate determining factor in a coach’s tenure, and with such a high-profile pick like Shedeur Sanders, any coach who drafts him is placing their fate in his hands.

The Pressure to Succeed

The pressure to draft the right quarterback is always immense in the NFL, but it has only been heightened in recent years with the rise of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert, all of whom have made an immediate impact. If Shedeur Sanders is chosen by a team that has a struggling quarterback situation, that coach could face unbearable scrutiny.

“Drafting a quarterback can either cement your legacy or send you straight to the unemployment line,” said Mike Florio, co-host of Pro Football Talk. “For coaches like Frank Reich of the Panthers or Ron Rivera of the Commanders, who are already under pressure, a decision like this could be make-or-break for their careers.”

If Shedeur doesn’t perform as expected, coaches could find themselves under fire from both fans and ownership. After all, the NFL is a league built on winning, and coaches are often given only a short window of time to prove their worth, especially when it comes to developing a franchise quarterback.

Why Shedeur Sanders Could Be a Worthy Gamble

Despite the potential risks, there are several reasons why NFL teams could feel compelled to take a chance on Shedeur Sanders. First and foremost, his football IQ and leadership abilities are second to none. Under the guidance of his father, Deion, Shedeur has matured into a confident, poised leader with a strong understanding of the game. His mechanics have improved each year, and he possesses the ability to make all the throws necessary to succeed in the NFL.

Additionally, Shedeur’s poise under pressure is one of the most talked-about qualities of his game. In big moments, Sanders has shown the ability to remain calm and deliver in clutch situations, a trait that NFL coaches cherish when selecting their franchise quarterback.

“I think he’s one of the most mature and composed quarterbacks I’ve seen come out of college in recent years,” said Chris Simms, former NFL quarterback and analyst for Pro Football Talk. “Shedeur’s confidence is contagious. When you watch him play, you can see the leadership skills, the ability to manage the game, and the intelligence. Those are qualities that NFL coaches look for in a quarterback, and Shedeur has them in spades.”

The Deion Sanders Factor: Legacy and Expectation

Another major component of the Shedeur Sanders story is the Deion Sanders factor. As one of the most iconic figures in sports history, Deion’s legacy and influence on his son are impossible to ignore. While Shedeur’s talent speaks for itself, the added weight of being Deion Sanders’ son means there will be both expectations and pressures placed on Shedeur from the moment he steps onto the NFL field.

For the coach who drafts Shedeur, there’s an added layer of pressure to live up to the legacy of a player who is both revered and controversial in the NFL. Some might view Shedeur’s draft as a legacy pick—one made not just based on his ability, but also because of the connections he brings. Deion’s presence could be seen as both a blessing and a curse for the team that takes a chance on Shedeur. While it could help bring attention to the franchise, it could also bring unwanted media scrutiny if Shedeur doesn’t live up to expectations.

A Make-or-Break Decision for Coaches

At the end of the day, the NFL coaches who decide to pull the trigger on Shedeur Sanders will find themselves at a crossroads. For teams with desperate quarterback needs, drafting Shedeur could be the only chance to get the next star QB. However, for teams with more stable quarterback situations, passing on him could be a safer bet.

The decision to draft Shedeur will ultimately come down to a coach’s evaluation of his potential and their own sense of job security. Coaches like Frank Reich and Ron Rivera—whose futures are uncertain—might feel the need to make a bold move and draft a young, potentially franchise-changing talent like Shedeur Sanders.

“Coaches know that if they get the quarterback position right, they’ll have job security,” said Florio. “If they get it wrong, their seat is going to get very hot, very quickly. Shedeur Sanders is a risk, but he’s one that could pay off big time.”

Ultimately, Shedeur Sanders could be one of the most talked-about players come the 2023 NFL Draft—and the coaches who choose to draft him will be under a microscope. For them, this could be the beginning of a long, successful tenure in the NFL—or a short, high-pressure stint that might not end well. Either way, the spotlight will be on them from the moment they make their decision.