The wait is over for Shedeur Sanders. After an unexpected fall through the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Colorado quarterback has finally found his NFL home with the Cleveland Browns. Selected as the 144th overall pick, Sanders was chosen in the fifth round of the draft, ending a tense stretch of anticipation.
A Surprising Fall: From Top Pick to Fifth Round
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was widely considered one of the top prospects for this year’s draft. At one point, many analysts believed he could go as high as a top-five pick. However, despite the high expectations, Sanders went unselected in the first two rounds, leading to growing speculation about why he had yet to hear his name called.
For Sanders, the long wait finally came to an end when the Cleveland Browns picked him in the fifth round. The 23-year-old quarterback appeared visibly relieved when his name was called, and it’s easy to understand why. The pressure had mounted after what seemed like an endless wait, with many seeing Sanders as a much higher draft candidate.
The Sanders Family’s Draft Party: A Night to Remember
Throughout the draft weekend, Shedeur’s family stood by him, supporting him through the uncertainty. His father, Deion Sanders, was especially optimistic and believed Shedeur would go in the first round. The Sanders family threw a huge draft party on Thursday, complete with a music performance from Shedeur himself, where the younger Sanders kept his spirits high despite the setback.
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After the first night of the draft, Shedeur remained positive, saying that the second day would be a fresh opportunity. He shared that falling out of the first round only added “more fuel to the fire,” and assured everyone that they would remain happy no matter the outcome. Unfortunately, Friday wasn’t his day either, but by Saturday, his long wait was finally over.
The Debate: Was There Collusion Against Sanders?
Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall became one of the biggest talking points of the draft, with some even speculating that there might be more at play than just football talent. Critics and fans alike began questioning whether NFL owners were colluding against Sanders, citing the quarterback’s impressive college performance and high expectations.
Even President Donald Trump chimed in on the controversy, calling NFL owners “STUPID” for passing on Sanders and questioning why he was overlooked.
The QB Room in Cleveland: A Crowded Competition
Sanders now heads to a Cleveland Browns quarterback room that already has a number of established names. The team currently has veteran Joe Flacco, 2023 draft pick Kenny Pickett, and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. Not to mention, they still have Deshaun Watson on the roster, though there is uncertainty surrounding his future with the organization due to an Achilles injury that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.
Despite the competition, Sanders enters a team that is rebuilding, and his skill set will be tested in the coming months. Whether he becomes a starting QB for the Browns remains to be seen, but with his strong college performance, he will undoubtedly compete for a spot.
A Promising Career Ahead
Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL began at Jackson State, where he made a name for himself with a stellar performance over his first two seasons, throwing for 70 passing touchdowns. His talent and leadership abilities only grew when he moved to Colorado, where he threw for 64 touchdowns in his last two seasons. Sanders also earned prestigious honors like the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and made major waves with NIL deals, partnering with brands like Nike and Gatorade.
Now, as he heads to the pros, Sanders is poised to prove all the doubters wrong. His ability to overcome adversity and continue to perform under pressure will be a key asset as he transitions to the NFL. While his drop in the draft may have been surprising, it has only fueled his determination to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion: Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Journey Begins
With the Cleveland Browns now his official NFL home, Shedeur Sanders’ next chapter is about to begin. The 23-year-old quarterback has proven time and again that he can overcome challenges, and this next step in his career will be no different. As he looks to prove his worth on the field, all eyes will be on Sanders to see how he develops in the NFL and whether he can live up to the immense potential he showed in college.
Despite the controversies, setbacks, and moments of doubt, Shedeur Sanders’ talent is undeniable, and his journey is just getting started.
