Shedeur Sanders’ Surprising Slide in the NFL Draft: What It Means for the Cleveland Browns
In a move that has left many NFL fans and analysts scratching their heads, the Cleveland Browns made a bold decision during the 2025 NFL Draft. On Saturday, the Browns traded their 166th and 192nd picks to the Seattle Seahawks to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall choice. This selection marked the end of a dramatic slide for Sanders, who was once considered one of the top quarterbacks in the draft class. Initially projected as a potential first-round pick, Sanders found himself waiting until Day 3 to hear his name called.
The Browns’ interest in Sanders was no secret. The team spent considerable time with him during the predraft process, even sending a large contingent of coaches, executives, and ownership to Boulder, Colorado, to have dinner with Sanders and his former teammate Travis Hunter the night before their pro day workout. Despite this interest, Sanders’ arrival in Cleveland comes much later than many had anticipated.
Sanders’ selection comes at a critical juncture for the Browns’ franchise. Just last month, owner Jimmy Haslam publicly acknowledged that the team’s 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson was a “big swing-and-miss.” This trade, which cost Cleveland three first-round picks and a fully-guaranteed $230 million contract, has not panned out as hoped. Watson has struggled on the field and is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a right Achilles injury that ended his 2024 campaign and was re-torn in the offseason.
Interestingly, Sanders is the second quarterback the Browns have selected in the 2025 draft, following the third-round selection of Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Sanders now joins a revamped quarterback room that includes veteran Joe Flacco and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, both of whom were added this offseason.
Why Did the Browns Select Sanders After Drafting Gabriel?
The decision to pick Gabriel over Sanders in the third round surprised many, but the Browns’ subsequent trade to select Sanders two rounds later was even more unexpected. According to general manager Andrew Berry, the decision was about maximizing value at the quarterback position. Berry admitted that he didn’t initially plan to draft two quarterbacks but remained flexible as the draft unfolded. As Day 3 progressed, Berry and his staff discussed targeting Sanders if he continued to fall. Ultimately, Berry decided that the value of selecting Sanders was too great to pass up.
- Berry stated, “Once it got to a point where it felt like it was a pretty steep discount, we just felt like, especially relative to the alternative ways that we could use this selection, this made the most sense.”
What Caused Sanders’ Slide in the Draft?
Sanders’ slide in the draft has been a topic of much discussion. While his lack of top-end talent may have contributed to his fall out of Day 1, the slide out of Day 2 is more puzzling. According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, teams had concerns about Sanders’ draft profile, particularly his predraft interviews. Additionally, the logistical issue of a scarcity of teams in need of a quarterback by the third round played a role. Teams like the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints preferred other options.
What Are People Around the League Saying About Sanders’ Slide?
Many around the league find Sanders’ fifth-round selection surprising. While some evaluators graded him as a Day 2 pick, others saw him as a late first-rounder. The Browns are seen as a good fit for Sanders, as they lack an unquestioned starter. Stylistically, Sanders fits well with head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense, which thrives on play action. However, the presence of Gabriel, drafted two rounds earlier, adds an interesting dynamic to the quarterback competition.
What Are Sanders’ Prospects for Playing Time in 2025?
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has made it clear that anyone added to the quarterback room will be expected to compete for starting time. Sanders enters a four-man race with experienced veteran Joe Flacco, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. The Browns are rebuilding their offensive scheme with a new group of passers, and Stefanski is confident in the team’s plan to give each player a fair opportunity.
Does This Officially Close the Book on the Watson Era in Cleveland?
The Browns have acknowledged that Watson’s health status makes his future uncertain. With two years remaining on his contract, the team is preparing for the possibility that he won’t be available for the 2025 season. The Browns’ recent moves indicate an attempt to move on at the quarterback position. If the team decides to part ways with Watson after the 2025 season, they will face significant financial repercussions, including a potential $135 million dead cap charge.
How Important Is Figuring Out the QB Situation to Stefanski and Berry’s Future?
For Stefanski and Berry, resolving the quarterback situation is crucial. Since their arrival in 2020, the duo has navigated a tumultuous quarterback landscape, including the departure of Baker Mayfield and the acquisition of Watson. With two young quarterbacks now in the mix, the Browns are hopeful that they can find a long-term solution at the position. Owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed confidence in Stefanski and Berry, but he also expects the team to compete in 2025.
What Are the Browns Getting with Sanders on the Field?
On the field, Sanders is known for his physical and mental toughness. He has the ability to make plays under pressure and elevate his game in critical situations. While he held onto the ball too long in 2024, he has shown the ability to make quick decisions and deliver accurate passes. Sanders’ strong arm allows him to make throws into tight windows, and he can scramble for first downs when needed. With Stefanski’s track record of coaching accurate quarterbacks, Sanders and Gabriel both have the potential to thrive in Cleveland.
Originally Written by: Multiple contributors
