Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected drop in the 2025 NFL Draft stunned fans and analysts. Once projected as a first-round pick, the quarterback with the last NFL royalty name didn’t hear his name until the fifth round. The Cleveland Browns drafted him with the 144th pick.
Shedeur’s surprising drop sparked plenty of debate, with some, including analyst Colin Cowherd, pointing to his famous father, Deion Sanders, as a potential factor.
Colin Cowherd says Deion Sanders’ Spotlight Hurt Shedeur Sanders
Sanders’ high-profile presence at the Colorado Buffaloes drew early praise, but it’s now facing scrutiny. Analysts, including Cowherd, suggest the constant spotlight may have hurt his son, Shedeur, who slid from a projected top NFL Draft pick to the fifth round.
“Quarterback dad has become pageant mom.”@ColinCowherd blames Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft slide on Deion Sanders. pic.twitter.com/4ym7WcddaY
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 27, 2025
“I couldn’t understand why he’s dropping. What in the world is happening? Dad is happening,” Cowherd said. That’s why I like the tack that Arch Manning and his family do. They’re staying in the shadows. That’s where all the real power is in life. Get out in the sun and get burned. Deion was in the sun. Deion spent too much time on television… quarterback dad has become pageant mom.”
Shedeur fell in the 2025 draft, but his NFL journey is just beginning. He joins a packed quarterback room in Cleveland with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. HC Kevin Stefanski says the 23-year-old will get a fair shot to compete.
On paper, his college stats speak volumes: 14,347 passing yards, 134 touchdowns, only 27 interceptions, and a 70.1% completion rate across stints at Jackson State and Colorado.
KEEP READING: Deion Sanders Effect Strikes Again — UCLA OL Transfer Accepts Colorado Offer Within 24 Hours
Now, he has to prove himself at the pro level; QB Shedeur could be the answer the Browns have long sought if he rises through the ranks. Also, Coach Prime faces growing pressure to refocus from headlines to results for Colorado football.
Sanders will have much to prove in training camp if he wants to earn a starting role for Cleveland.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
