Browns Make Bold Move to Draft Shedeur Sanders in Fifth Round
In a surprising twist that has left many NFL fans buzzing, the Cleveland Browns have made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by trading up to select Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round. This decision came after a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, where the Browns gave up their 166th and 192nd picks to secure Sanders.
Sanders, who had an unexpected slide into Day 3 of the draft, expressed his gratitude on social media, posting to X: “Thank you GOD.” This heartfelt message was shared widely, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
The Browns’ interest in Sanders was no secret, as they had spent considerable time with him throughout the draft process. However, they initially passed on him multiple times. The team traded back with the Jacksonville Jaguars from their No. 2 slot to No. 5, acquiring a trade package that included the 36th pick, which they used on running back Quinshon Judkins, and a 2026 first-round pick. With the fifth overall pick, Cleveland selected defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Despite passing on Sanders again at the end of the third round, opting instead for quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th pick, the Browns kept Sanders on their radar. General manager Andrew Berry noted that there were still four rounds remaining and expressed his continued admiration for Sanders. A team source confirmed that Sanders remained on the team’s board, and his unexpected drop from a potential top pick ended with him heading to Cleveland, albeit later than anticipated.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear that every player in the quarterback room will have the opportunity to compete for the starting position. This offseason, the Browns acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Joe Flacco in free agency. With Deshaun Watson expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a re-torn right Achilles tendon, the competition for the starting role is wide open.
Since the franchise’s return to Cleveland in 1999, the Browns have struggled with quarterback stability, having started 40 different quarterbacks during that time frame—10 more than the closest team. Sanders now joins a reshaped quarterback room with a real chance to compete for a starting role early on.
During the predraft process, the Browns met with Sanders at the East-West Shrine Bowl and again at the NFL scouting combine. They also hosted Sanders on a visit and sent a large contingent to Boulder, Colorado, to have dinner with him and Hunter the night before their Pro Day workout. The team’s decision-makers have often praised Sanders not only for his on-field credentials but also for his upbringing as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado football coach Deion Sanders.
- Four-year starter in college
- Led the FBS with a 74% completion rate last season
- 37 passing touchdowns, second most in the FBS
- Second-team All-American selection
- 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner
Sanders spent his first two seasons at FCS Jackson State, playing for his father before transferring to Colorado to follow him. His impressive college career and strong family legacy have set high expectations for his future in the NFL.
Originally Written by: ESPN
