Micah Parsons Joins Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft Debate After Colorado Pro Day

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Pro Day Sparks Debate Over ‘Ball-Pat’ Technique
By Jake Nisse | April 7, 2025

Shedeur Sanders’ Colorado pro day drew mixed reactions from NFL figures, with Cowboys star Micah Parsons criticizing the quarterback’s tendency to “pat” the ball before throws. Sanders, a projected early first-round pick, showcased his skills in front of scouts ahead of the April 24 draft, but footage of his unorthodox mechanics ignited a social media debate.

Sanders’ pro day in Boulder included drills highlighting his arm talent and footwork.

The Controversy Unfolds
Critics zeroed in on Sanders’ habit of briefly tapping the ball with his non-throwing hand before releasing passes. Giants receiver Darius Slayton defended the technique on X (formerly Twitter), arguing, “If DBs were so good at breaking on ball pats, they’d all have 8+ picks a year.” He compared Sanders to Tom Brady, who also utilized a similar motion.

Parsons, however, fired back: “A pat on the ball can be the difference between a sack or a throwaway/completion.” The Cowboys linebacker, amid his own contract negotiations, emphasized the split-second impact of such habits in the NFL.

Parsons’ comments added fuel to the debate over Sanders’ draft readiness.

Slayton vs. Parsons
The exchange escalated as Slayton doubled down: “Tom Brady literally the king of getting the ball out fast [and] patted the ball when he threw.” Parsons dismissed the comparison, replying, “Comparing the greatest QB ever to Sanders is why I’ll never entertain a football conversation with you.”

Jets safety Andre Cisco joined the fray, tweeting, “Boy better stop patting that ball, we breakin’ onnat earlyyyy,” highlighting how defenders might exploit the habit.

Draft Outlook
Despite the scrutiny, Sanders remains a top QB prospect, likely trailing only Miami’s Cam Ward. The Colorado star threw 37 touchdowns in 2024, showcasing poise under pressure. Analysts predict he could land with the Browns at No. 2 or the Giants at No. 3, though New York’s recent signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston complicate their QB plans.

Sanders is expected to hear his name called early on Draft Night.

Teammate Banter
Giants lineman Jermaine Eluemunor playfully accused Slayton of lobbying for Sanders to join New York, tweeting, “I see what [you’re] trying to do.” Slayton denied any agenda, insisting, “I tell the truth for free.”

The Bottom Line
While Sanders’ mechanics divide opinions, his production and pedigree—as the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—keep him in high demand. The debate underscores how NFL evaluators weigh technical flaws against raw talent. As one scout noted, “If the pat doesn’t slow his release, it’s a non-issue. But in the league, margins matter.”

Slayton’s support for Sanders sparked a lively back-and-forth with Parsons.

With the draft approaching, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if his game translates—ball pats and all—to the NFL stage.

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