Shedeur Sanders, who was once seen as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, took a surprising tumble all the way to the fifth round. The Colorado Buffaloes quarterback’s unexpected slide to the 144th pick by the Cleveland Browns left many scratching their heads. FOX Sports personalities recently discussed Sanders’ situation, attempting to unravel the mystery behind his draft day plummet. However, the reasons for his fall are anything but straightforward.
One of the main factors cited for Sanders’ draft position is the differing perceptions of his talent. Despite setting passing records at Colorado and boasting an impressive 74.1% completion rate in the 2024 season, Sanders also led the nation in sacks taken, raising concerns about his pocket presence and mobility. While some draft analysts ranked him among the top quarterbacks in the class, NFL teams did not share the same sentiment.
Danny Parkins pointed out the impact of groupthink among media evaluators, highlighting the disconnect between the media’s perception of Sanders and the actual view held by NFL front offices. Mark Schlereth emphasized the importance of excelling in both talent and intangible aspects of the pre-draft process, suggesting that Sanders may have fallen short in the latter. Craig Carton echoed this sentiment, questioning whether Sanders’ self-perception aligned with the evaluations of talent scouts.
Colin Cowherd shared insights from an NFL executive who indicated that Sanders’ draft position was indicative of teams viewing him as a potential backup rather than a starter. The abundance of potential NFL starters in the first two rounds likely contributed to Sanders’ slide to the fifth round, as teams prioritized other quarterback prospects.
Another significant reason for Sanders’ draft day saga was the perceived “circus” surrounding him and his father, Deion Sanders. The Sanders family’s high-profile status and flamboyant draft party may have deterred teams from selecting Shedeur, especially if he wasn’t guaranteed a starting role. Deion’s comments about dictating terms and potential team preferences also played a role in shaping perceptions of Shedeur among NFL decision-makers.
Additionally, Shedeur’s decision not to participate in key pre-draft events like the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine raised red flags for some teams. A former quarterbacks coach noted Sanders’ lack of self-awareness, which may have contributed to teams’ hesitance in drafting him earlier.
Furthermore, the limited number of teams in need of a starting quarterback in the draft further impacted Sanders’ draft position. With several teams already solidifying their quarterback situations through signings and draft picks, only a handful of franchises remained in the market for a rookie starter. The Saints, Steelers, and Browns were among the few teams seeking a quarterback, with the Browns ultimately taking a chance on Sanders in the fifth round.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his draft day experience, Sanders now has an opportunity to prove himself in the NFL and silence his critics. While his journey to the league may have been unconventional, the real test lies ahead as he looks to make his mark on the field.
