Updated: Browns Select Sanders in NFL Draft’s Fifth Round \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite being a highly recognized player, Sanders slipped far beyond projections. He now joins a crowded Browns quarterback room as he begins his pro career.
Quick Looks
- Shedeur Sanders picked 144th overall by Cleveland Browns.
- Projected as top QB prospect but fell to the fifth round.
- Joins Browns’ QB group including Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco.
- Cleveland traded up to secure Sanders with Seattle.
- Sanders celebrated emotionally with his family in Texas.
- Concerns included sacks taken and adapting without his father coaching.
- Browns’ GM praised Sanders’ talent and resilience post-pick.
- Other notable picks: Cam Skattebo (Giants) and Dylan Sampson (Colts).
- Ohio State sees 11 players drafted; Seahawks trade Sam Howell.
Deep Look
After months of anticipation, endless scouting reports, and glowing projections, Shedeur Sanders’ long wait finally ended during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns selected the Colorado standout quarterback — and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders — with the 144th overall pick on Saturday, shocking the football world and capping off one of the most surprising slides in recent draft history.
The Slide That Few Predicted
Leading into the draft, Sanders was considered one of the premier quarterback prospects in his class, trailing only Miami’s Cam Ward in most evaluations. Forecasts had Sanders pegged as a first- or second-round pick, with some analysts even believing he could sneak into the top 15 given his strong arm, elite accuracy, and massive media presence cultivated during his high-profile college career.
Yet the draft unfolded differently than anyone anticipated. After Ward went No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, a steady stream of other quarterbacks quickly came off the board: Jaxson Dart to the Giants, Tyler Shough to the Saints, Jalen Milroe to the Seahawks, and Dillon Gabriel to the Browns themselves. Somehow, Sanders remained unselected into Day 3.
The Browns, who had already invested in Gabriel, saw an opportunity and moved aggressively to secure Sanders. Cleveland traded their fifth- and sixth-round picks (No. 166 and No. 192) to Seattle in exchange for the 144th selection, ensuring they didn’t miss out on Sanders if another team considered a move up the board.
A Moment of Joy After the Wait
After enduring an agonizingly long wait, Sanders’ relief was palpable. In a video shared widely across social media, Sanders was seen celebrating with his family at their Texas home — putting on a Browns cap, dancing, and finally leaping into a swimming pool to mark the end of his nerve-wracking draft experience.
“Thank you GOD,” Sanders posted on X, capturing a sentiment of gratitude and determination as he officially took his first step into the NFL.
Joining a Crowded Quarterback Room
Sanders now enters a competitive and crowded quarterback room in Cleveland. With Deshaun Watson sidelined for the 2025 season due to a torn Achilles, the Browns have Kenny Pickett, veteran Joe Flacco, third-rounder Dillon Gabriel, and now Sanders competing for snaps.
The team’s quarterback depth gives Sanders time to develop, but also creates an opportunity. Flacco, at 40, is near the end of his career, and Pickett has yet to establish himself as a long-term starter. Gabriel and Sanders will both be vying to show they are the Browns’ future under center.
General Manager Andrew Berry spoke glowingly of Sanders, despite already adding Gabriel a day earlier. “He’s an impressive young man. He’s a really good quarterback,” Berry said. “It’s less about where you get picked than what you do after you get picked. He has a ton of resolve. I think he’s going to find himself in a really good spot.”
College Career Highlights and Concerns
Shedeur Sanders rewrote record books during his time at Colorado, throwing for a school-record 4,134 yards last season and leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record. Teaming up with 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Sanders brought national attention back to Colorado’s football program, coached by his father.
However, the concerns that contributed to his fall were real. Sanders was sacked a staggering 94 times over the past two seasons, raising serious questions about his pocket presence and offensive line management. Additionally, doubts lingered about his arm strength at the NFL level and whether he could thrive without playing under the familiar guidance of his father.
Despite these concerns, Sanders’ intelligence, work ethic, and competitive fire are seen as major assets that could eventually make him a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.
Broncos coach Sean Payton weighed in, saying that Sanders’ surprising draft fall could add an edge to his play: “There will be this chip on his shoulder and beware because this guy’s going to play in this league.”
Draft Context: A Busy Final Day
The final day of the draft was busy not just for Sanders, but for many other notable players:
- Cam Skattebo, the versatile Arizona State running back who helped lead his team to a surprise College Football Playoff berth, went in the fourth round to the New York Giants at No. 105.
- Dylan Sampson, Tennessee’s explosive running back and the 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, was selected by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 126.
- Ohio State continued its dominant showing with four more players selected on Saturday, bringing their draft total to 11 players. Standouts included linebacker Cody Simon (Arizona, No. 115), safety Lathan Ransom (Carolina, No. 122), edge rusher Jack Sawyer (Pittsburgh, No. 123), and defensive tackle Ty Hamilton (Los Angeles Rams, No. 148).
There was also trade activity: Seattle sent quarterback Sam Howell and the No. 172 pick to the Minnesota Vikings for the No. 142 pick, which they used to draft Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills.
A Future Yet to Be Written
For Shedeur Sanders, the story is just beginning. Though the path to the NFL was bumpier than expected, he now finds himself with a fresh opportunity in Cleveland — a team willing to believe in his talent and potential.
NFL history is littered with players who slid in the draft only to thrive once given a chance. Dan Marino, Aaron Rodgers, and more recently Will Levis all turned their draft-day disappointments into motivation for stellar careers. Sanders, with his athleticism, football IQ, and unshakable confidence, aims to do the same.
The spotlight will continue to follow Sanders, as it always has. Whether he becomes the next great NFL quarterback or simply carves out a solid career, Saturday marked a turning point — a moment where disappointment turned to opportunity, and a new chapter in the Sanders family football legacy officially began.
Updated: Browns Select Sanders Updated: Browns Select Sanders
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