It’s important to acknowledge that not every NFL draft features a quarterback who can be deemed generational.

When talking about generational talent, terms can be vague.

For instance, while players like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Caleb Williams are very talented, only Patrick Mahomes truly stands out in a generational sense.

Now that we’ve established this, let’s take a step back from the hype surrounding Shedeur Sanders.

He is an exceptionally skilled quarterback who, despite playing for two college teams undergoing changes, managed to achieve impressive statistics and demonstrate his ability to lead a team effectively.

He deserves to be the first overall pick in April’s NFL draft, and it would be unwise for the Tennessee Titans to overlook him.

However, he isn’t a generational talent that you can rely on without question, ready to take the field and dominate instantly. Here’s a little-known fact about the NFL draft: no player is untouchable.

Neither Mahomes nor Tom Brady were seen as sure things at first. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were both considered projects when they were drafted, yet Jackson is now a strong contender for his third MVP award in just six years.

But for the next few months, expect to hear commentators and former coaches on TV claiming Sanders is the next generational player. Sanders and his father, Deion Sanders, the Colorado coach, are likely to echo this sentiment.

During his time at Jackson State and Colorado, Shedeur passed for over 14,000 yards and boasted an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 134 to 27. His track record is nearly impeccable.

So if the Titans decide to pick Sanders first overall, they will undoubtedly label him as generational. Here’s another insider draft tip: labeling a player as generational offers an easy excuse for executives if the pick doesn’t pan out.

Because if a “generational quarterback” is available, it’s simply an obvious choice.

This is serious — just last week, Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker stated during a post-season conference that the team would not pass on a “generational talent.”

For Deion Sanders, the buzz around generational talent is essential. It’s not just about the NFL contract (first-round salaries are predetermined), but it adds stability and flexibility for Shedeur’s early NFL years, ultimately leading to a more lucrative second contract.

You simply can’t easily cut, trade, or bench a generational quarterback. Any losses can’t be attributed to him personally; they must be tied to the team’s struggles in supporting him.

A case in point is Lawrence, who finished his fourth season with 83 touchdowns and 68 turnovers across 60 games.

He’s entering his fifth season with his third head coach and has only one playoff win to show for it, not to mention a hefty $275 million contract signed last summer.

Want to know why Deion Sanders is considering an “Eli” move if the draft doesn’t go in their favor? Because a generational quarterback shouldn’t have to endure the hardships of a poorly performing NFL franchise.

By suggesting that Shedeur might sit out if the wrong team drafts him — reminiscent of Eli Manning’s tactics in 2004 when he refused to play for the Chargers until they traded him to the Giants — Deion is trying to secure additional safety for his son.

Manning won two Super Bowls with the Giants and could be honored at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, his first year eligible. The precedent is certainly there.

So yes, Deion (and Shedeur) want their generational status—and they want the benefits that come with it.

Understand this: we live in a world obsessed with generational talent.

In the entire history of the NFL draft, there have only been four quarterbacks selected first overall who made it to the Hall of Fame: Terry Bradshaw, John Elway, Troy Aikman, and Peyton Manning.

I’m not a math expert, but the chances of this so-called “generational” quarterback achieving Hall of Fame status and fulfilling the lofty expectations are quite low.

Generationally speaking, that is.

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for News Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.