The Cleveland Browns surprised many by selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, after he was projected as a first-round pick by various analysts. Despite being seen as a top prospect, with predictions ranging from a potential selection as high as No. 3 by the New York Giants to No. 21 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders was not picked in the first two rounds. Ultimately, five other quarterbacks—Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel—were chosen ahead of him.
Upon being drafted, Sanders expressed his gratitude on social media with a short post, “Thank you GOD,” while the Browns showcased a highlight reel of his plays, branding him as “Another playmaker in the mix.” Leading into the draft, NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers ranked Sanders as the best available talent, placing him 30th on his NFL draft board.
Sanders is notable not only for his skills but also as the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who coached him at Jackson State before both moved to Colorado. In his senior season, he excelled as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, completing 74% of his passes and achieving 4,134 passing yards, along with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His contributions were critical in reviving the Colorado program, which won only one game prior to his arrival and improved to nine wins in 2024, marking their best performance since 2016. However, in the weeks leading up to the draft, Sanders faced scrutiny regarding his character off the field.
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