The long wait is finally over for Shedeur Sanders.
Once projected as a potential first-round pick, the former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback was selected by the Cleveland Browns on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, ending one of the most talked-about slides of this year’s event.
Sanders, who transferred from Jackson State to Colorado to play under his father, head coach Deion Sanders, entered the draft with high expectations after a prolific college career.
Yet, as the picks ticked by Thursday and Friday, the quarterback watched as teams repeatedly passed on him, with four other quarterbacks taken ahead of him before the fourth round began.
Despite his fall, Sanders maintained a positive outlook, posting on social media Saturday morning: “Another day another opportunity to get a chance to play the game I love. Thank you GOD #LEGENDARY”.
NFL insiders point to several factors contributing to Sanders’ unexpected drop. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, some teams were wary after comments made by Deion Sanders in 2024, suggesting that if a team drafted Shedeur or teammate Travis Hunter they didn’t want to play for, they might “pull an Eli,” referencing Eli Manning’s famous draft-day refusal to play for the San Diego Chargers in 2004. Throughout the pre-draft process, Shedeur Sanders was perceived as trying to dictate his landing spot, which rubbed some franchises incorrectly.
Additionally, Sanders opted out of certain parts of the pre-draft process, which some league executives viewed as “missed opportunities” to showcase his skills and leadership to potential employers.
As Day 3 began, Sanders was still listed among the best available players. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, both in need of a quarterback, were rumored to be possible destinations. Ultimately, his name was finally called, ending a draft saga that dominated weekly headlines and social media discussions.
Shilo and Shedeur dancing after Shedeur got drafted by the Cleveland Browns.
(via shilosanders/Twitch) pic.twitter.com/qPrVXCoF4c
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2025
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who has followed Sanders’ career since his youth, expressed surprise at the quarterback’s slide: “There’ll be a chip on his shoulder, and beware because this guy will play in this league. I think it’s hard for any of us to explain what other people are looking for. We focus on what we’re looking for, and I think it’s surprising”.
Sanders enters the NFL with something to prove. His journey from Jackson State to Colorado and now to the professional ranks has been marked by triumph and adversity.
As Day 3 selections have shown in years past, draft position does not define a player’s future. With his talent and determination, Shedeur Sanders will look to make his mark at the next level, carrying the lessons and legacy of his unique path to the NFL.
