In his first season as Colorado's quarterback, Shedeur Sanders showcased his physical attributes, including good size, arm strength, and the ability to make deep throws. However, a closer examination of Sanders' performance reveals certain areas that need improvement as he heads into the 2024 season.

One notable aspect of Sanders' game is his tendency to work the ball underneath rather than taking more aggressive shots downfield. While this approach can be effective in some situations, it often led to a suffocating feeling within Colorado's offense, hindering their ability to generate explosive plays and maintain momentum. Sanders' average air yards to the sticks in 2023 was a concerning -1.6 yards, suggesting a need for a more aggressive mentality and willingness to push the ball further downfield.

Another area of concern is Sanders' susceptibility to sacks. Despite Colorado's offensive line being partially at fault, Sanders' pressure to sack rate of 25.3% in 2023 puts him in the red flag territory of quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Sam Howell. Sanders often drifted backward in the pocket, negating his arm strength and creating more difficult throws. To succeed at the next level, Sanders must work on stepping up into the pocket and avoiding unnecessary negative plays.

Sanders' decision-making also comes into question, as he occasionally struggled to make quick reads and deliver the ball on time. His elongated throwing motion and lack of target aggression led to batted balls and contested catches, indicating a need for improvement in his timing and release. Additionally, there were instances where pressure, or even the mere threat of it, unraveled Sanders' operation, causing him to lose confidence and disrupt offensive drives.

While Sanders only threw three interceptions in 2023, his overall game still requires further refinement. His ability to anticipate throws and develop answers for defensive schemes is crucial for his success as a top-level quarterback. Sanders needs to tap into his creativity and become more fluid in his movements and decision-making, expanding his range of arm angles and finding ways to outsmart defenses.

As Sanders enters his second season with Colorado, it is clear that there is room for improvement. With another year of experience under his belt, he has the opportunity to address the issues highlighted and showcase significant growth in his game. By enhancing his aggressiveness, improving his pocket presence, and making quicker, more decisive throws, Sanders can elevate his status as a top NFL Draft prospect and solidify his place as a formidable quarterback at both the collegiate and professional levels.