Deion Sanders has been through it all the in world of sports. As a young man, Sanders was an elite athlete and went on to attend Florida State University where he played three sports: baseball, football and track. The versatile athlete was so good at his craft that he actually went on to play both baseball and football professionally, a rare feat that few people have achieved.
Known now as “Coach Prime,” the 56-year-old has transitioned successfully into a career as a a head coach. Sanders authenticity and ability to relate with younger athletes makes him an ideal candidate for any coaching program. The former two-star athlete is about to begin his second year with the Colorado Buffaloes and few are better at mentoring and building their player up than Sanders.
During a recent interview with media outlet Front Office Sports, Sanders provided his views on the upcoming NFL draft and the state of the college football landscape. Perhaps the most interesting topic focused on NFL teams manipulating players draft value through rumors.
“You have guys that are slated to go at this number pick. Randomly something comes out,” said Sanders. “Wildly, their draft grade drops…How does that happen? How did that mysteriously come out right before the draft?”
Deion Sanders says NFL teams have been leaking rumors about prospects to manipulate their draft stock every year.
"I worked the draft for about 10 to 12 years straight. I know that to be true."https://t.co/h66adQLFxZ pic.twitter.com/EmcCcTjmsr
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 11, 2024
There are several reasons a player can plummet down the draft order including information about drug use or injuries. Sanders claimed this kind of conduct happens on a yearly basis from NFL teams.
“Now you are affecting someones livelihood,” added Sanders “That’s done every year…I know that to be true.”
According to the well-known coach, NFL teams that have their eye on a certain player, may want that player to drop in value so they can grab him at a later pick.
Sanders has never been shy to speak his mind and while there is little evidence to back up his claims, he seems fairly confident that the practice of leaking rumors is common, and will likely happen again at the 2024 draft.
