We're at the point in the offseason where fans who think they're scouts begin creating agendas around NFL Draft prospects based on how they view a performance at a Pro Day.
However, when a Pro Day features the son of a Hall-of-Famer and projected #2 QB in the draft class, we expect some overanalyzing.
At Colorado's Pro Day in Boulder, quarterback Shedeur Sanders - son of Deion - was the headliner and has seen his workout video go viral online.
Sanders has a noticeable "tapping" habit right before he lets the ball go. That can be an easy fix ... but we saw this tap on every ... single ... pass.
The conversation about these ball taps spurred the argument of defensive backs getting a clear signal on when to jump on a route, as this tick telegraphs exactly when Sanders will throw.
The tendency is more of a habit than anything. As you see, Shedeur was still able to drop in quality passes with accuracy and velocity.
He didn't face much of a rush, but this is a Pro Day after all ... what do you expect.
Many former and active NFL players were quick to jump on social media in response to the video. Some were saying it isn't too big a deal ... but others, like Micah Parsons, said that split-second hesitation changes things in the heat of the moment.
Darius Slayton, wide receiver for the New York Giants, came to defend Sanders by throwing a jab at all the DB's who said they'd have easy pickings off of these throws.
"I promise he can pat the ball and be just fine if DB’s was so good at breaking on ball pats they’d all have 8+ picks a year. Same guys that fall for a 2 man dagger concept and give up the dig on 3rd&long every season all season long talkin bout a ball pat what a joke," he said.
The Cowboys' All-Pro sack leader came at the argument from a different perspective.
"You realize at Pat on the ball can be difference between a sack or a throw away/completion?" Parsons said via X.
Slayton is a wide receiver. He may be somewhat familiar with how cornerbacks and safeties operate, but this is likely just some classic hating on his defensive oppositions.
Parsons brings up a legit argument on the time it takes Sanders to get rid of the ball. With as fast as the "lion-backer" is off the edge, every millisecond the QB wastes is valuable and offers an extra chance for the defense to get a stop.
This habit is not uncommon in the NFL either. Quarterbacks have churned out Hall-of-Fame careers while having this habit: Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers are a few.
Tapping the ball simply keeps the QB in rhythm with his regular motion and pace. Is it the end of the world? No.
But is Shedeur's habit something to note? Yes. It likely won't deter a team from drafting him, but it's something he may need to work on down the road.
It is interesting that Slayton was the one to make a stance in favor of Sanders.
Could he be implying that Sanders will be his next quarterback and be drafed by the Giants with the No. 3 pick? Hmmm.
If he is, you can bet Micah will be keeping an eye on Sanders' delivery in their NFC East battles.
