Steelers Get Alarming Update From NFL Coach About Drafting Shedeur Sanders: "The Worst"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with a lot of uncertainties about what they may do—especially in the first round, where they currently hold the 21st overall pick. The situation is further complicated by the fact that they don’t have a second-round pick after trading it away to acquire wide receiver DK Metcalf. That move signaled an aggressive win-now mentality, but it also limits the team’s flexibility in addressing other key areas—most notably, the quarterback position.

Rumors have swirled that Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is currently the Steelers’ highest-rated quarterback on the board. However, there’s growing buzz that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has caught the eye of Head Coach Mike Tomlin. With draft projections suggesting Sanders could slide into the Steelers’ range, the possibility of landing him is very real. Still, the question remains—should they take the risk?

NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently shared some troubling insight from an anonymous NFL assistant coach regarding Sanders. According to Pelissero, the coach expressed serious concerns about Sanders’ ability to adapt to the pro game, calling into question his leadership and decision-making under pressure. While Sanders has the talent and pedigree, this kind of feedback could force the Steelers to think twice before making him their quarterback of the future.

"The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life," the NFL assistant coach said. "He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good."

Obviously, not knowing who the anonymous coach is matters. If the comment is coming from an organization that’s a train wreck, it may not be all that credible. However, if it’s coming from someone within a respected staff—like the Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs—it becomes a much bigger concern. Sanders is an eye-opening prospect who did a lot of exciting things and helped change the culture at two different college programs.

While Sanders may have changed the culture in Boulder, the results were still mixed. His Buffaloes team made strides in turning the program around, but they never won anything truly meaningful. Their season ended in a blowout bowl loss—a game Sanders and superstar two-way player Travis Hunter both played in. 

It was a disappointing finish that raised some concerns, but it doesn't erase the raw talent Sanders brings to the table. He’s a true boom-or-bust prospect, and depending on who you ask, his sky-high confidence could either have a Joe Burrow-like impact—or, if the anonymous coach’s warning proves true, lead him to flame out of the league.

Steelers Need To Find An Answer At QB Fast

There are no sure things in the NFL, especially at the quarterback position. However, one thing is clear: it’s the most important spot on the field, and the Steelers haven’t had a long-term answer since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The only way to fix that is to keep taking smart, calculated swings. If the Steelers truly believe in Sanders and he’s still available at pick No. 21, it presents a unique opportunity. Taking a risk on a quarterback with franchise-changing upside might be exactly what this team needs to reset its future.

Yes, there are red flags with Sanders. Stories of locker room tension, public criticism of teammates, and concerns about maturity are all fair questions. But the flip side is equally compelling—despite a poor offensive line and heavy pressure, Sanders consistently stood tall and took brutal hits without flinching. He never backed down, and his swagger inspired belief, even in tough losses. If the Steelers believe they have the coaching and locker room culture to support him, taking a chance on Sanders might be the bold move that finally secures their quarterback of the future.

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