Shedeur Sanders: A Draft Story of Disappointment and Determination
It was supposed to be a weekend of celebration for Shedeur Sanders, but instead, it turned into a public spectacle of disappointment and disrespect. The NFL draft, an event that many young athletes dream of, became a waiting game for Sanders, filled with unexpected delays and a mean-spirited prank that spread across the internet like wildfire.
For Sanders, the draft was not just a few picks off from what the mock drafts had predicted; it was a few days off. The anticipation of a Thursday night celebration turned into a Saturday selection when he was picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Despite the setback, Sanders remains optimistic and focused on the opportunity ahead.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity,” Sanders said. “I don’t ever focus on the negative or even think about the negative. I’ve just got to prove and show what I’m capable of. What fuels me is my purpose in life and understanding the route that we’re going to have to take. Understanding that I was able to get an opportunity when a lot of people didn’t want to give me an opportunity. So that’s what I’m truly thankful for.”
The Draft Day Drama
One of the reasons for the NFL’s lukewarm interest in Sanders was reportedly due to his interviews with teams, where he allegedly “said too many of the wrong things.” However, Sanders is now saying all the right things, focusing on the opportunity rather than how he got there.
In the end, Sanders has the same chance to become the Browns’ quarterback of the future as he would have if he had been picked second overall. The NFL is unpredictable; top picks can flame out, while late-rounders can become stars.
Sanders will be competing with Kenny Pickett, who arrives after a season as a backup in Philadelphia, and 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco. Sanders’ father and college coach, Deion, humorously noted in a video that “Flacco’s my age.” Fellow draftee Dillon Gabriel, who had a standout college career at Oregon, was drafted 94th overall by the Browns, ahead of Sanders.
Why the Delay?
The Browns’ decision to draft Gabriel before Sanders suggests they saw more potential in Gabriel, but the starting job is still open for competition. “We felt like it got to a point where [Sanders] was probably mispriced relative to the draft,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said.
The draft experts had high expectations for Sanders, projecting him as high as No. 3 at various points. However, teams felt differently. The disconnect could be attributed to several factors: Sanders was good but not great at Colorado, he took too many sacks, and he wasn’t an elite athlete like his Hall of Fame father. Reports of poor interviews and concerns over his commitment also played a role.
The Prank and Its Impact
Adding to the drama was a cruel prank by Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. He called Sanders, pretending to be from the New Orleans Saints, and told him he was about to be drafted, only to add, “You’re going to have to wait a little bit longer, man.” Sanders’ brother released a video of the call, capturing Sanders’ confusion and disappointment.
Despite the prank, Sanders remained unfazed. “It didn’t really have an impact on me … everybody does childish things here or there,” he said. Ulbrich later apologized on social media, and Sanders took a call from him on Sunday. But the incident, coupled with the draft delay, must have stung deeply.
Looking Ahead
This wasn’t the NFL entry Sanders expected. At his draft party, he had pillows with his brand name “Legendary” printed on them. But the draft is just a show; the league is about work. Sanders now has his first taste of the tough love the NFL can offer.
His flaws were dissected on national television, but this can be a blessing in disguise. A hard worker who knows what to improve can become a powerful force. “I know I have to clean up some things in my game,” Sanders said. “The main thing, I’m just proving, Coach [Kevin] Stefanski and Mr. Berry that they are right. That’s it. They’re right about picking me.”
From here on out, that’s all that matters. This was a rough chapter in the story of Shedeur Sanders, but the book isn’t yet fully written. And it is Sanders who still holds the pen.
Originally Written by: Dan Wetzel
