Shedeur Sanders Calls NFL Draft Criticism 'Fool's Gold'

Shedeur Sanders, former Colorado quarterback and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, isn’t sweating the chatter about his NFL Draft stock. After skipping out on throwing passes at last week's NFL Scouting Combine, Sanders made headlines for his response to criticism circulating in the media.

Reports from NFL Insider Josina Anderson suggested that at least one assistant coach from a team drafting in the top seven described Sanders as "brash" and "arrogant." However, Anderson was quick to clarify that this feedback contrasts with how Sanders came across to many reporters during his Combine press conference.

In a video posted to social media, Sanders dismissed the idea that his draft stock is dropping. He called it "fool's gold" and urged fans not to trust the media. When a fan wearing Raiders gear expressed hope that Sanders would land in Las Vegas, the quarterback responded, "Well, everybody trying to make my stock drop right now, so who knows, man? ... It’s fool's gold. It ain’t real."

The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the No. 6 pick in this year's draft, have been linked to Sanders partly due to his relationship with Tom Brady, a minority stakeholder in the franchise. Sanders and former Miami quarterback Cam Ward are projected to be the first two quarterbacks selected in April's draft.

On the family side, Deion Sanders has made it clear that he’d only consider coaching in the NFL if it meant coaching both of his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. "The only way I would consider [coaching in the NFL] is to coach my sons," Deion said earlier this year during an interview with "Good Morning America."

Shedeur Sanders wrapped up his final college season with an impressive 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While some in the NFL might have their doubts, his numbers—and his confidence—aren’t something to overlook. Fool’s gold? Maybe for some. But for others, this guy might just be the real deal.