Friday’s Pro Day in Colorado wasn’t just another date on the pre-draft calendar—it was a spectacle. With NFL teams, scouts, and fans tuned in, the energy was electric, and a big reason why was the presence of Coach Prime himself: Deion Sanders. The Hall of Famer didn’t hold back when it came to praising his two star players—quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way phenom Travis Hunter.
In Deion’s eyes, there’s no debate: these are the top two prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“They should be going 1-2 [in the draft], that’s the way I feel about it,” Sanders said via ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “They are the two best players in this draft. . . . The surest bets in this draft are those two young men, and I didn’t stutter or stammer when I said that.”
It’s no surprise that Sanders is bullish on his players—he’s their coach and father (in Shedeur’s case). But sentiment aside, his claim isn’t without merit. Both Shedeur and Travis have made major waves in college football and are serious contenders for the top of the draft board.
The popular consensus has Miami quarterback Cam Ward still sitting at No. 1, with the Titans likely to make that pick—or potentially trade it to another QB-needy team. But Shedeur and Hunter are firmly in that top-tier conversation, especially after impressive Pro Day showings.
One team in particular could have a major decision to make: the Cleveland Browns. Holding the second overall pick, the Browns are in prime position to land one of the two Colorado stars—if they stay put. Among those in attendance Friday was Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who caught Deion’s attention.
“I spoke to the owner, truly delightful,” Sanders said. “He was engaging. . . I think one of those guys is going to be there [at No. 2].”
Of course, Cleveland could trade back, depending on what offers come in. But if they don’t, Shedeur or Hunter will be there—and possibly both.
While the NFL draft system offers prestige and visibility, it also strips players of any control over where they land. For Shedeur and Hunter, that could mean stepping into an organization with a history of dysfunction. Still, both have the swagger and drive to believe they can change the culture.
Whether that’s confidence or youthful optimism remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: these two are ready to compete at the next level, and their Pro Day performances just turned up the heat on the draft conversation.
With just weeks to go until draft night, the spotlight is burning bright—and Coach Prime wouldn’t want it any other way.
