In a surprise twist at this year’s NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders experienced a much longer wait than anticipated, yet managed to keep his spirits up. The Colorado quarterback, known for his resilience, proved he could maintain his composure even amidst the uncertainty. The Cleveland Browns ended up selecting Sanders in the fifth round, far later than the early rounds many had projected for him.
When the moment finally came, Sanders embraced it with ebullience, channeling his relief into an impromptu celebration that involved a dance and a leap into the family swimming pool. “That’s what it’s about,” Sanders explained. “You celebrate your victories but then it’s back to work. It’s just another step in football for me.” Sanders, the son of legendary Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, fell to the 144th overall pick, shocking those who considered him a top prospect.
Despite forecasts ranking him as the second-best quarterback in the draft, with Miami’s Cam Ward going first to the Tennessee Titans, Sanders watched as five other quarterbacks were chosen before him, including Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, also picked by the Browns, but in the third round. “It wasn’t expected to select two quarterbacks,” said Browns GM Andrew Berry. “But he was unexpectedly available in the fifth round and fit our strategy of best player available.”
The Browns were decisive, trading up to secure Sanders at No. 144, swapping picks with Seattle to do so. Emotions surged as he received the call, the moment captured by his brother Shilo on a live stream and shared widely, showing Sanders donning a Browns cap and taking a celebratory dive into the pool. “I’m thankful for the opportunity,” he acknowledged. “The rest is to prove myself.”
NFL history shows many quarterbacks have experienced dramatic slides during the draft, only to achieve great success. Dan Marino, taken 27th overall in 1983, became an icon for Miami. Likewise, Aaron Rodgers, expected to be an early pick in 2005, became a legend with the Green Bay Packers after being selected 24th.
For Sanders, despite finishing eighth in the Heisman Trophy rankings and setting a school record with 4,134 passing yards, anticipation didn’t translate into first-round selection. Even as other quarterbacks were selected, Sanders remained resolute. Reflecting on the experience, he noted, “It’s about awakening to my purpose, appreciating the opportunity, and proving my worth.” Sanders now joins a competitive Browns quarterback group, with Deshaun Watson sidelined by injury, alongside players like Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco.
Cleveland’s dual quarterback picks were unprecedented since Washington’s strategy in 2012 with Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins. “I’m ready to add value,” expressed Sanders. “It starts with respect and hard work to show everyone my commitment.” Yet questions linger; Sanders faced a high number of sacks at Colorado, and concerns about arm strength and adaptability remain.
Moreover, the fervent Deion Sanders could potentially influence perceptions. His previous remarks about guiding his sons’ careers recalled certain dramas, like Eli Manning’s infamous trade demand in 2004. Regardless, Shedeur appears grounded, expressing gratitude for even a delayed opportunity. “It really didn’t matter what pick or round,” he reflected. “We just needed that chance.”
Saturday also saw the selection of other notable prospects. Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, a surprise playoff contender, went to the New York Giants in the fourth round. Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, an SEC standout, joined him in the round, going to Cleveland. Syracuse’s Kyle McCord, who reached record-breaking heights in the ACC, landed with Philadelphia in the sixth round.
From the latest College Football Playoff championship, two quarterbacks, Will Howard from Ohio State and Riley Leonard from Notre Dame, were sixth-round selections. Additionally, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, after reaching the semifinals with his team, was picked by Miami in the seventh round. Overall, Ohio State claimed an impressive 14 draftees, inching close to Georgia’s seven-round record of 15 picks in 2022.