On a recent podcast, Colorado head coach and Hall of Fame defensive back Deion Sanders described the future for his Colorado University stars. His son, Shedeur, is the team’s star quarterback, who showcased his stellar poise and throwing talent against North Dakota State. Travis Hunter, another player on the team, is a special talent on both sides of the ball. With them is Deion’s other son, Shilo, who plays safety for the school. But as far as Las Vegas Raiders fans go, how would they feel about their team pursuing these Colorado prospects?
More importantly, what role will Deion play in determining where these talented players head to once they opt for the NFL?
Colorado HC Deion Sanders says QB Shedeur Sanders and WR/CB Travis Hunter will both be top-4 picks, and they won't go to certain teams in the NFL Draft.
"It's gonna be an Eli Manning." ? pic.twitter.com/zUmh9jIHyV
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 30, 2024
To this point, Deion has attended the Million Dollars Worth of Game podcast multiple times. Generally, when he speaks, there is a lot of substance behind his words, so there can be many quotes taken. Specifically, this quote is about where he thinks Shedeur and Hunter should play professionally after college.
“I know where I want them to go so there’s certain cities that won’t happen,” Deion said. “It’s going to be an Eli Manning.”
Why the Raiders are the team…
Coincidentally, in July, Deion was asked about how he felt about the possibility of his sons playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. “That would be nice for them to play for the Raiders,” Deion said. “I’m meeting with the team today.”
Deion Sanders loving the idea of his sons playing for the Raiders and Antonio Pierce:
“That would be nice for [Shedeur & Shilo] to play for the Raiders. I’m meeting with the team today.”
?: @ringwalkdanny, Vegas Sports Today #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/p13U7RZu3c
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) July 10, 2024
It is also known that the Raiders will likely be in need of a new starting quarterback after this season. Obviously, if current starter Gardner Minshew is successful this season, everything is subjective for now. No matter what, Shedeur Sanders would be an intriguing prospect for the Raiders. Travis Hunter and Shilo Sanders could also be a part of the team as well, but with the team already having Davante Adams, Hunter is unlikely. Shilo, however, is a different story, as both safeties Marcus Epps and Tre’von Moehrig will be free agents this offseason.
Performances from Shilo, Shedeur, and Hunter in Week 1
Shedeur performed exceptionally well and definitely increased his draft stock. Besides one unlucky tipped interception, Shedeur did not fold under the bright lights. His team trailed for a portion of the game, but he led them to victory. His ending stats read as 76.5 completion percentage, 445 yards passing, and four touchdowns.
Shilo ended the game second on his team for total tackles with nine and even had one tackle for a loss. However, he did incur a costly penalty for unnecessary roughness, which significantly impacted the game’s outcome. Despite the penalties, Shilo demonstrated his superior hit power.
The best performance by far was from Travis Hunter, who played defensive back and wide receiver. Defensively, he ended the game with an underwhelming three tackles. The offensive side was a completely different story, as he ended the game with seven receptions, 132 receiving yards, and three touchdowns to begin his Heisman campaign.
If what Deion Sanders says is true, all three of these players could be available for the Raiders to draft. Must the Raiders trade up, or will one fall into their lap?
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