Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has ignited speculation about the reasons behind his steep drop. The former Colorado quarterback, once considered a potential top pick, was selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 overall, leaving fans and analysts questioning what went wrong.
On Wednesday, Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson told the Roggin & Rodney show that a “very good source” claimed the NFL had discouraged teams from drafting Sanders, suggesting the league intended to “make an example out of him.” Dickerson added that league representatives reportedly contacted the Browns, cautioning against taking Sanders.
The following day, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer dismissed the idea of a league conspiracy. Speaking with Dan Patrick, Breer said most teams simply did not see Sanders as a first-round talent. He noted that quarterbacks rarely drop in the early rounds without cause, and franchises often scrutinize prospects more closely once draft day passes the first round.
Early pre-draft projections had Sanders competing with Miami’s Cam Ward for the No. 1 quarterback spot. By draft day, most analysts still projected Sanders as a late first-round pick. Bleacher Report’s final big board ranked him 23rd overall, and its last mock draft listed him 20th. His slide to the fifth round defied these expectations.
Post-draft reporting offered further insight. A “high-level executive” told USA Today that Sanders’ father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, may have hurt his son’s draft stock through public statements. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero cited an assistant coach who called Sanders’ pre-draft interview “the worst I’ve ever been in,” criticizing his preparation, body language, and perceived sense of entitlement.
Breer emphasized that football factors likely drove Sanders’ fall. Teams often prefer backup quarterbacks to “blend into the furniture,” a philosophy that has hindered careers like Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick.
Now with the Browns, Sanders will begin his NFL career behind starter Joe Flacco. While the draft slide has generated headlines, his opportunity to prove himself remains intact.
How Sanders develops under pressure and adapts to the professional game will likely define the next chapter of his career.
Leave a Reply