Shedeur Sanders NFL draft projection: Colorado QB's prospect explored after huge Kansas defeat in Week 13

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been key to leading the Buffaloes to bowl-eligibility for the first time in eight years. Despite being on the losing team against the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, the No. 16 Buffaloes are still in the mix to make the Big 12 championship game.

Sanders tallied 266 yards on 79.3% completion, resulting in three touchdowns in the 37-21 loss to the Jayhawks. He has registered 3,222 yards on 72.9% completion for 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

In his weekly column, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. projected Shedeur to be the first quarterback picked and the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. In CBS Sports' latest draft projection, the maverick Buffs' quarterback will be picked No. 4 overall by the New York Giants.

Shedeur Sanders showed his confidence in his ability during his weekly news conference ahead of the Buffs' clash against the Kansas Jayhawks when he spoke about his draft stock.

"I feel like I was the best quarterback in last draft too," Shedeur Sanders said. "Ever since I’ve been draft eligible, I think I’m the best quarterback. You either see that or you don’t."

Coach Prime has his say on Shedeur Sanders' draft future

During this week's "Speak on FS1," charismatic Colorado coach Deion Sanders revealed that he would intervene should an undesired team decide to draft Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft.

"Yeah, but I’m not going to do it publicly. I’m going to do it privately," Deion Sanders said. "I’m not going to give you regions. I’ll give you understanding. Somebody that can handle the quarterback that he is. Somebody that can handle what he’s capable of.

"Someone that has had success in the past handling quarterbacks or someone in an organization that understands what they’re doing."

Deion Sanders further revealed which intangibles he would consider for a team that wanted to draft his son.

"Not just throwing you out there amongst the wolves if you don’t have the support in the infrastructure of the team," Deion said. "Forget the [offensive] line. He’s played with lines that hadn’t been great, but he’s been able to do his thing. But just the infrastructure of the team and the direction of where we’re going."

Shedeur Sanders has had a stellar season for the Colorado Buffaloes, and his assertions about his draft stock might come true based on various projections that see him as the first quarterback off the board in next year's NFL draft.