Titans Meet Shedeur Sanders at East-West Shrine Bowl as NFL Draft Buzz Builds

DENTON, Texas – The Tennessee Titans made their first in-person connection with Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado, during Friday’s East-West Shrine Bowl activities at the University of North Texas. Titans coach Brian Callahan, general manager Mike Borgonzi, and president of football operations Chad Brinker were among the team representatives evaluating top prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, is one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. Despite not participating in Friday’s throwing session, Sanders engaged in a 15-minute conversation with Callahan, leaving a strong impression. “You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said. “He’s mature, has a really poised way about him, and seems like a really good kid. He knows how to handle himself.”

The Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and are widely expected to target a quarterback. Sanders, who threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, is among the top prospects. Callahan praised Sanders’ toughness and ability to deliver under pressure, noting his anticipation and timing as standout qualities. “He took some pretty big shots and kept rolling,” Callahan said. “He can stand in the pocket and deliver it.”

While Sanders is a focal point, the Titans are also evaluating other quarterbacks, including Miami’s Cam Ward and Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart. Ward, who threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns in 2024, is considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect but is not participating in the Shrine Bowl or next week’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

The Shrine Bowl marks the beginning of a critical evaluation period for NFL teams. Over the next few months, the Titans will attend the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and various Pro Days and private workouts. Callahan emphasized the importance of these interactions, stating, “Every one of these matters. They all have different values over the course of the process.”

In addition to Sanders, Colorado is well-represented at the Shrine Bowl, with wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr., Tar’Varish Dawson, and cornerback Travis Hunter also in attendance. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to meet with media on Saturday afternoon, offering further insight into his draft preparations.

The Titans’ contingent at the Shrine Bowl includes offensive coordinator Nick Holz and assistant Payton McCollum, who will serve as quarterbacks coach for the West team. With over a dozen coaches and scouts present, the team is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to identify the right player to lead its future.