{"id":620115,"date":"2026-04-20T22:55:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T22:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/620115\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T22:55:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T22:55:17","slug":"every-nfl-draft-pick-coached-by-deion-sanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/620115\/","title":{"rendered":"Every NFL draft pick coached by Deion Sanders"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colorado Buffaloes<\/a> hired Deion Sanders before the 2023 season, hoping to bring some life to a program that had been dormant for the better part of the past decade. Overall, the program has received more national attention, including increased NFL talent.<\/p>\n

With the 2026 NFL draft beginning Thursday (April 23), here’s a look at every player drafted by an NFL team that had Deion Sanders as head coach in their last game before being selected, beginning with Sanders time at Jackson State<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Lions<\/p>\n

Lions linebacker James Houston looks on during warmups before the NFC championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024.<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0LB<\/p>\n

NFL team:\u00a0Detroit Lions<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 6, No. 38 (No. 217 overall)<\/p>\n

Houston IV was Deion Sanders’ first-ever draft selection as a head coach. Houston began his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Jackson State ahead of the 2021 season. He was a first-team All-SWAC during his lone season as a Tiger.<\/p>\n

\"Jan<\/p>\n

Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden (29) throws the ball to a fan during warm up before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0CB<\/p>\n

NFL team:\u00a0New England Patriots<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 7, No. 27 (No. 245 overall)<\/p>\n

Bolden played two seasons for Deion Sanders at Jackson State. He spent two seasons with the Patriots before being released and latching on with the 49ers<\/a>. He was drafted into the United Football League’s Louisville Kings,<\/p>\n

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\"Oct<\/p>\n

Oct 13, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) is congratulated for his touchdown by head coach Deion Sanders in the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0CB\/WR<\/p>\n

NFL team:\u00a0Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 1, No. 2 (No. 2 overall)<\/p>\n

Jacksonville traded up to select the Heisman Trophy winner and two-way sensation. Hunter was elite as both a cornerback and receiver and became the highest-drafted Colorado player ever.<\/p>\n

\"Sep<\/p>\n

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0QB<\/p>\n

NFL team: Cleveland Browns<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 5, No. 6 (No. 144 overall)<\/p>\n

Sanders entered the 2025 draft as a projected first-round pick, but slid into the fifth round. He broke several records during his two-year career as a Buff.<\/p>\n

\"Nov<\/p>\n

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver LaJohntay Wester (10) returns a punt for a touchdown the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0WR<\/p>\n

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NFL team:\u00a0Baltimore Ravens<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 6, No. 27 (No. 203 overall)<\/p>\n

Wester transferred to Colorado after three seasons at FAU and went on to have a fantastic senior season with the Buffaloes. His 10 receiving touchdowns and ability as a punt returner led to his selection by the Ravens.<\/p>\n

\"Aug<\/p>\n

Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) catches the ball in the first half against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Position:\u00a0WR<\/p>\n

NFL team:\u00a0Carolina Panthers<\/a><\/p>\n

Pick:\u00a0Round 6, No. 32 (No. 208 overall)<\/p>\n

Jimmy Horn was the third Colorado wide receiver drafted in the 2025 draft. His speed and quickness were his best traits coming out of Colorado. In his two seasons with the Buffs, Horn had 95 receptions for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns.<\/p>\n

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Contact\/Follow us\u00a0@BuffaloesWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Deion Sanders NFL draft picks at Colorado, Jackson State<\/a><\/p>\n