The 2025 NFL Draft delivered its fair share of surprises, but none more shocking than the dramatic fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once projected as a top-five pick, Sanders slid to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him 144th overall. This unexpected descent has sparked widespread debate about the evaluation process and the influence of media hype on draft expectations.
First-Round Highlights: A Focus on Offense
The first round of the draft was dominated by offensive talent, with eight offensive linemen and four wide receivers among the early selections. Notably, running backs made a resurgence despite a generally weaker quarterback class. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots prioritized rebuilding their defenses or supporting young quarterbacks, reflecting strategic shifts across the league. Windy City GridironThe Washington Post
The Shedeur Sanders Saga: From Top Prospect to Fifth Round
Shedeur Sanders’ fall in the draft was one of the most talked-about stories. Despite an impressive college career—highlighted by a 74% completion rate, 4,134 passing yards, and 37 touchdowns in his final season—NFL teams passed on him until the fifth round. Scouts cited concerns about his arm strength, pocket awareness, and a tendency to hold onto the ball too long, leading to a high sack rate.
Compounding these concerns were perceptions of arrogance and entitlement, partly attributed to his father, Deion Sanders, who was vocal during the pre-draft process. Reports suggested that Deion’s influence and attempts to steer his son’s draft destination may have deterred some teams.
Adding to the controversy, Sanders was the victim of a prank call during the draft, where someone impersonated a team executive, falsely informing him of a selection. The NFL is investigating the incident.
Cleveland Browns’ Reaction and Quarterback Conundrum
The Browns’ selection of Sanders raised eyebrows, especially given their existing quarterback roster, including Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. Observers noted the subdued reaction from Browns’ executives during the announcement, leading to speculation about internal disagreements or reluctance. The team later attributed their demeanor to fatigue and emphasized their commitment to selecting the best available talent.
Fan Backlash and Merchandise Boycott
Sanders’ unexpected draft position sparked a fan-led movement to boycott official NFL merchandise bearing his name, opting instead to support his personal brand. This grassroots campaign could potentially offset the financial implications of his lower draft slot, as Sanders had previously secured lucrative NIL deals during his college career. talkSPORT
Looking Ahead: Redemption and Opportunity
Despite the challenges, Sanders remains optimistic. He celebrated his draft selection with a star-studded party in Dallas, attended by celebrities and family members. As he joins the Browns, Sanders has the opportunity to prove his critics wrong and establish himself as a valuable asset in the NFL, Sanders slid to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him 144th overall. This unexpected descent has sparked widespread debate about the evaluation process and the influence of media hype on draft expectations.