From predicted top first-round pick to 144th overall selection, Shedeur Sanders’ 2025 NFL Draft experience will go down as one of the most shocking slides in recent memory. The Colorado quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders watched as team after team passed on his talents, creating a draft-night drama that captivated football fans nationwide.
The financial implications are staggering: a free fall that cost the young quarterback more than $40 million in guaranteed money. Once projected to command a first-round contract worth upward of $45 million guaranteed, Sanders instead will settle for approximately $4 million guaranteed as a fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns.
The Story Behind Shedeur Sanders’ Stunning Draft Slide
NFL scouts had multiple concerns about Sanders’ on-field abilities, per Yahoo Sports. They questioned his arm strength, calling it “good but not elite,” and noted inconsistent short throws.
Evaluators labeled him a “mediocre athlete” with limited mobility to extend plays under pressure. Decision-making issues surfaced as well, with scouts citing unnecessary sacks, holding the ball too long and struggling with timing in structured offenses.
Off-field factors may have played an even bigger role. Multiple teams reported poor formal interviews, describing Sanders as “entitled” and resistant to coaching feedback.
Anonymous scouts expressed concerns about his willingness to accept a backup role and adapt to team hierarchies. There were also fears that his high-profile persona—amplified by his father’s involvement—might disrupt locker-room dynamics.
Sanders’ draft process didn’t help his cause. He opted out of combine drills and Shrine Bowl gameplay, relying instead on controlled pro-day workouts. His pro day showcased deep accuracy but revealed struggles with shorter throws, failing to silence doubts about consistency. He also limited team visits to only a few, reducing opportunities to address concerns.
External factors compounded the situation. Teams reportedly worried about potential meddling from his father in coaching and roster decisions. Pre-draft narratives focused heavily on his celebrity status and social-media presence, overshadowing on-field traits.
The fall is particularly stunning considering Sanders’ impressive collegiate achievements: a Colorado single-season record 4,134 passing yards; 41 total touchdowns against 10 interceptions; the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award; and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors. Teams linked to Sanders pre-draft included the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys—all ultimately looked elsewhere.
Cleveland’s Calculated Risk for Sanders
The Browns ended Sanders’ agonizing wait, trading up with the Seattle Seahawks to select him 144th overall after already drafting Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Cleveland cited “steep discount value” at pick 144, viewing Sanders as a low-risk gamble despite having selected another quarterback earlier.
Cleveland’s quarterback room needed reinforcements, with Deshaun Watson facing an extended absence after re-tearing his Achilles and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett serving as short-term options. As one ESPN analyst noted, “Teams hate distractions. If they felt Sanders’ presence would be one, his ability wasn’t intoxicating enough to offset that.”
Sanders responded with grace on social media, posting “Thank you GOD” and emphasizing faith in “God’s timing.” Even former president Donald Trump weighed in, publicly criticizing teams for passing on Sanders during Day 2 of the draft.
The irony of Sanders’ draft fall is particularly striking given recent honors. Just days before the draft, on April 19, Colorado retired his No. 2 jersey alongside teammate Travis Hunter’s No. 12 in a rare ceremony. Sanders might hold the dubious distinction of being the only player with a retired collegiate jersey who wasn’t selected in the first round.
KEEP READING: Week 2 College Football Transfer Portal Winners
The quarterback who threw for a Colorado single-season record now enters the NFL with something to prove. Sanders’ draft-night disappointment could become the motivation that defines his professional career.
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!
