What's happened
Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This marked a surprising fall for Sanders, who was expected to be a higher pick based on his college performance.
What's behind the headline?
Key Factors Behind Sanders' Draft Slide
- Performance Concerns: Despite impressive statistics, Sanders faced scrutiny over his ability to adapt to NFL schemes and his performance under pressure. He was sacked 94 times in two seasons, raising questions about his durability and decision-making.
- Interview Issues: Reports indicated that Sanders struggled in formal interviews with NFL teams, with one coach describing his performance as the worst he had ever witnessed. This raised red flags about his readiness for the professional level.
- Competition: The Browns had already selected Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback with a strong college record, further complicating Sanders' path to a starting role. He will also compete against veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.
- Expectations vs. Reality: Sanders was widely viewed as a top quarterback prospect, but the NFL's evaluation process revealed a disconnect between public perception and team assessments. His fall from grace serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft process.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Shedeur Sanders was initially considered a first-round talent but fell to the fifth round due to concerns about his performance and interview skills. The Independent noted that five quarterbacks were selected before him, including Dillon Gabriel, who was picked by the Browns in the third round. Oliver Connolly from The Guardian highlighted the disconnect between draft analysts' expectations and NFL teams' evaluations, emphasizing that Sanders' slide was not entirely surprising given the league's concerns about his readiness for the NFL.
How we got here
Shedeur Sanders entered the 2025 NFL Draft as a highly regarded prospect, initially projected as a first-round talent. However, concerns about his performance and interviews led to his unexpected slide down the draft board, culminating in a fifth-round selection.
Go deeper
- What were the main reasons for Sanders' draft slide?
- How will Sanders fit into the Browns' quarterback lineup?
- What does this mean for his future in the NFL?
Common question
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What are the Latest Highlights from the NFL Draft, F1 Championship, and Premier League?
Stay updated with the latest sports highlights, including Shedeur Sanders' surprising NFL draft selection, Oscar Piastri's impressive performance in the F1 season, and Liverpool's strong position in the Premier League title race. Here are some key questions and answers to keep you informed.
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Why Was Shedeur Sanders Drafted Lower Than Expected in 2025?
Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, faced an unexpected drop in the 2025 NFL Draft. Initially projected as a first-round pick, his selection by the Cleveland Browns at 144th overall raised eyebrows. What factors contributed to this surprising fall? Below, we explore key questions surrounding Sanders' draft experience and its implications for the NFL.
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