Shedeur Sanders, widely projected as a potential first-round NFL draft pick, instead fell to the fifth round, selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. The unexpected slide has prompted debate among analysts and league observers.
Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, watched five other quarterbacks get drafted before his name was called. This outcome stands in sharp contrast to early projections that placed him among the top prospects in the draft class.
Former NFL star Cris Carter criticized Sanders' pre-draft process, pointing to interview performance and perceived demeanor. "You're going for a job interview," Carter said
on a podcast, suggesting Sanders focused excessively on appearance rather than convincing teams of his franchise leadership potential.Carter estimated the fall cost Sanders tens of millions in potential contract earnings, noting that a high first-round pick would have yielded substantially more than a fifth-round deal, estimated around $5 million. He also suggested Deion Sanders' public comments, including the idea of Sanders potentially refusing to play for certain teams
, may have negatively impacted his son's draft stock. "Shedeur and his family, they overplayed their hand," Carter stated.Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce defended Sanders, expressing frustration with anonymous coach critiques before the draft. An unnamed coach called Sanders "the worst formal interview" they had experienced, citing issues like perceived entitlement and poor body language. "That’s so f---ing lame," Kelce said, urging anonymity to be dropped.
Kelce argued Sanders' film warranted a higher selection and dismissed the criticisms as potentially unfair. Commentary surrounding Sanders' draft fall, including discussions on athlete demeanor and professional expectations, has drawn reactions from various public figures, including Matt Walsh.
Other factors cited for Sanders' slide include his decision not to work out at the NFL Combine and a pro day performance that reportedly did not significantly impress scouts. The perception of entitlement following interviews also played a role, according to reports.
The Cleveland Browns' selection of Sanders followed their earlier draft of quarterback Dillon Gabriel, placing Sanders in a crowded quarterback room that includes Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco. Watson's status remains uncertain after a recent Achilles injury.(Source)
The draft also saw the Jacksonville Jaguars make a bold trade to secure versatile prospect Travis Hunter high in the first round. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons were fined for a prank call(Source) made by the son of their defensive coordinator to Sanders during the draft process.
Entering the NFL, Sanders faces the task of proving himself in a challenging environment. As Cris Carter remarked about the reality facing the young quarterback, "He ain’t running s–t. OK? Let me tell you what, they taught him a great lesson. You don’t have this figured out. Your dad don’t have this figured out."
