The slide in Sanders’ draft stock has⁣ caused ‍many ⁢analysts and ⁤fans to revisit‌ his college performance with a ⁣more critical lens.⁣ While his raw athleticism‍ and ⁣bursts ‍of brilliance on​ the field are undeniable, concerns regarding ⁣his‌ consistency and decision-making have grown⁤ louder.⁢ Scouts have noted that Sanders occasionally struggled ​under‌ pressure, ​leading to costly errors in high-stakes moments.Moreover,⁣ questions about ⁢his durability emerged after ‍some late-season struggles, raising ‌doubts about how‌ well his game ⁣will translate to the faster,‍ more ⁢physical professional level. These factors collectively weighed on his evaluation, overshadowing ⁣what once seemed‌ to be a ‌lock​ as a first-round selection.

Several franchises reportedly‍ grew hesitant about investing⁤ a premium pick in sanders after⁣ interviews and ​on-field drills at the combine. Concerns about leadership qualities ​and adaptability⁢ to NFL systems have circulated among⁤ team‌ executives. Main ‌reasons cited by scouts and GMs include:
⁤ ⁣

  • Inconsistent accuracy under pressure
  • struggles recognizing complex defensive schemes
  • Limited production⁢ in⁤ key college playoff games
  • Medical reports‍ highlighting minor, lingering injuries

⁢ Below ‍is a fast breakdown comparing his pre-combine and post-combine evaluations:

Aspect Pre-Combine Rank Post-Combine​ Rank
Arm Strength Top ​5 Top 10
Decision-Making Top 15 Top 25
Leadership Average below‌ Average