Some NFL owners ordered teams to remove QB Shedeur Sanders from their draft boards, which led to his draft slide…
Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected slide to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked widespread debate and speculation. Once projected as a top-five pick, Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. While his on-field performance at Colorado was impressive, several factors contributed to his draft slide.
1. Perceived Attitude and Off-Field Persona
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Boomer Esiason revealed that multiple NFL owners instructed their teams to remove Sanders from their draft boards, citing his “entitled” attitude as a significant deterrent. Esiason noted that Sanders’ brash confidence, exemplified by his claims at the NFL Combine about transforming team cultures, alienated coaches and general managers. This perception of arrogance led to concerns about his fit within team dynamics and locker room culture .
2. Concerns Over Physical Traits
Despite Sanders’ impressive college statistics, some analysts questioned his physical attributes. Former NFL running back and current NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew pointed out that Sanders lacks elite traits such as top-tier speed and arm strength. While Sanders demonstrated strong performances at Colorado, these perceived physical limitations may have influenced teams’ evaluations .
3. Media Comparisons to Colin Kaepernick
The media’s portrayal of Sanders drew comparisons to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who faced challenges in securing a team following his protests during the national anthem. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith expressed outrage over Sanders’ draft position, suggesting that similar factors, including his association with Deion Sanders, may have contributed to his slide. These comparisons fueled discussions about potential bias and discrimination in the draft process .
4. Team Needs and Draft Strategy
The 2025 NFL Draft featured a deep quarterback class, leading teams to prioritize other positions based on immediate needs. Analyst Joel Klatt observed that teams with quarterback needs did not view Sanders as a surefire starter, leading them to select other prospects instead. This strategic approach resulted in Sanders’ fall to the fifth round .
5. Support and Resilience
Despite the challenges, Sanders received support from various quarters. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady reached out to offer encouragement, advising Sanders to use the draft outcome as motivation. Additionally, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the NFL over Sanders’ draft slide, highlighting the controversy surrounding his selection .
6. Future Prospects with the Cleveland Browns
Now with the Cleveland Browns, Sanders faces competition for the starting quarterback position. He joins a quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, with incumbent starter Deshaun Watson recovering from an injury. Sanders’ performance in training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining his role with the team.
In conclusion, Shedeur Sanders’ fall in the 2025 NFL Draft was influenced by a combination of factors, including perceptions of his attitude, physical attributes, media portrayals, and team strategies. As he embarks on his professional career with the Cleveland Browns, Sanders has the opportunity to prove his worth and overcome the challenges that led to his draft slide