While draft night is a dream for athletes around the world, it turned into a nightmare for Shedeur Sanders. Once projected as a potential first-round pick, the former Colorado quarterback slid all the way to the fifth round for a variety of reasons. One notable moment came when the Cleveland Browns passed on Sanders during night two of the draft — a decision that sparked speculation. Sanders later addressed the situation.
“What he has done throughout his college career is impressive. He’s a really good quarterback and an impressive young man. Sometimes fit comes into play, and there are still four more rounds in the draft. It’s less about where you get picked and more about what you do after you get picked. He’s going to find himself in a really good spot,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said.
Despite passing on him initially, the Browns selected Sanders the very next day. The New York Giants had shown interest, but things reportedly went south during the pre-draft process.
“He ‘didn't have a great interview’ with HC Brian Daboll. The ‘preparation wasn't there’ for an install package, Daboll called him out, and Sanders didn't like that,” Todd McShay reported.
In addition to underwhelming in interviews, Sanders reportedly hurt his own draft stock by tanking meetings— a surprising development for such a high-profile prospect. Still, he’s expected to compete for a real opportunity to become the Browns' starting quarterback.
“Who the Browns' franchise QB will be is unknown, but Sanders has the most passing skill and potential on their roster to earn that title. The majority of Day 3 picks don't get the opportunity to take a prominent role in year one. Sanders is not a typical fifth-round pick and could become an immediate starter and impact player,” Damian Parson wrote.
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The Browns’ direction at quarterback remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Sanders is firmly in the mix. Motivated by his draft slide and backed by a strong skill set, he has a real chance to become the next guy in Cleveland.