In a dramatic turn of events in the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who had been projected as a first-round prospect, was taken by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round at pick 144. The Browns made a move to take Sanders, trading their 166th and 192nd picks to the Seattle Seahawks for the right to select the former Colorado great.
A Draft Slide No One Anticipated
Sanders’ drop in the draft was among the biggest surprise narratives of the weekend. Coming into the draft, he was universally considered among the best quarterback prospects, and most analysts thought he would go in the first or second round. His dropping to the fifth round left him as the sixth quarterback drafted into the draft behind the likes of Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted by the Browns in the third round.
A number of factors may have factored into Sanders’ surprising free fall. Issues with his play at the NFL Scouting Combine, doubts about his preparedness to play at the professional level, and the extra heat of being the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders might have factored into the decision of teams.
A Family Affair
Despite the disappointment of falling in the draft, Sanders remained optimistic. On the morning of the third day of the draft, he posted on social media, “Another day another opportunity to get a chance to play the game I love. Thank you GOD #LEGENDARY.” After being selected by the Browns, he followed up with a simple but heartfelt message: “Thank you GOD”.
The occasion was marked by his family, including his father Deion Sanders and brother Shilo Sanders, who celebrated the happy moment on a live stream. The family has been a dominant force in Shedeur’s football career, with Deion coaching him at both Jackson State and the University of Colorado.
Browns’ Quarterback Room Gets Crowded
With the signing of Sanders, the Browns’ quarterback corps has become quite congested. In addition to Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, the team also features veterans Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Deshaun Watson on the roster. Watson, though, is likely to miss next season with a second Achilles injury, potentially leaving the door open for a new starter.
Interestingly, even though selected later than Gabriel, Sanders is now regarded as having a higher probability of playing for the Browns Week 1. Betting odds put Sanders at +175 to start for the team Week 1, whereas Gabriel is at +475. Pickett heads the odds at -110, while Flacco is a long shot at +1500.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
The Browns’ choice to draft two quarterbacks early in the rounds has generated debates among analysts and fans. While some see it as a smart move to bring competition and depth to the position, particularly in light of Watson’s injury situation, others raise an eyebrow about the redundancy of drafting two quarterbacks so close together in the draft.
Despite that, Sanders’ pick is considered by some as a Browns’ steal. His collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular, gaining more than 14,000 passing yards and 134 touchdowns. His skillset as a quarterback is proven here, and if he is able to reproduce this success on the NFL field, the Browns could have snagged a goldmine in the fifth round.
Personal Branding Remains Strong
Although Sanders’ draft status might have been lower than expected, his brand is still strong. He has signed endorsement contracts with top brands such as Gatorade and Beats by Dre, and his social media following is still on the rise. Experts opine that his marketability and public perception have not been significantly affected by his draft slide.
Shedeur Sanders’ path to the NFL has not been without surprise turns, but his draft by the Cleveland Browns presents a fresh chapter with promise. Having entered a competitive quarterback corps and set out to prove himself, Sanders brings with him the love of his family, a high personal brand, and the drive to excel professionally.
