After months of buzz and speculation, Shedeur Sanders’ drop to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft came as a surprise to many—and as fuel for heated debates. Once viewed as a potential early-round pick, Sanders was ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns as the sixth quarterback off the board.
Sports analysts quickly dissected his slide, with ESPN’s Damien Woody offering a blunt take: “The NFL sent a message… you’re not that guy.” Woody emphasized that the league, driven by winning, doesn’t pass on elite talent without reason, suggesting Sanders’ on-field performance, coupled with his high-profile persona, may have worked against him.
Reports also cited lackluster pre-draft interviews and his decision to skip throwing at the NFL Combine as factors in his draft day tumble.
But Sanders isn’t letting any of it shake him. Speaking publicly after being drafted, he stayed focused and grounded: “I’m favored, I’m blessed. I just want to prove Coach Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry were right.”
With a chip on his shoulder and a calm resolve, Sanders is ready to show the league he’s more than a headline—he’s a quarterback with something to prove.
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