No, Shedeur Sanders' Draft Stock Isn't Falling Because He's a Black Quarterback

There is no evidence that black quarterbacks are treated differently in the NFL or college football, and there hasn't been for a very long time. On the surface, that should be considered progress. However, there is a subsection within the media that refuses to let the narrative naturally subside.  

This week, ESPN commentator Ryan Clark responded to reports that Shedeur Sanders' draft stock could drop because certain scouts find him "brash" and "arrogant." Clark argued that the criticism toward Sanders could be rooted in racism.

"It's not just about him being Deion Sanders' son. It's about the bravado he carries. It's about the fact that he looks a certain way. It is about the fact that the color of his skin sometimes at the position can be questioned. And I believe Shedeur Sanders is going to have to deal with that until he gets on the field," Clark said.

Clark will not be the only pundit to argue that point before the draft in April. Nearly every year, a collection of commentators and pundits turn draft talk into another conversation about black quarterbacks.

And every year, their claims sound more desperate.

During the college football season, draft analysts viewed Shedeur Sanders as the top quarterback prospect in the draft. He has since fallen to No. 2. – behind Cam Ward, a black quarterback.

If scouts viewed Sanders differently because of his skin color, as Clark suggested, they would also view Ward differently because of his. And yet, we cannot locate a single report of a scout calling Ward "brash" or "arrogant." 

Moreover, there is just no relevant evidence that suggests skin color plays any role in scouting quarterbacks. 

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were the first two quarterbacks drafted last season. They