After a drastic slide for Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, albeit in the fifth round instead of the first. Amid all the noise and reports of his unprofessional conduct, Browns bet on Sanders.
The 23-year-old now finds himself in a four-way battle with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett in Cleveland. In light of the same, former two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner, who carved out a Hall of Fame career after going undrafted, has thrown his support behind Sanders and described him as the most accurate QB in the 2025 rookie class.
Kurt Warner Comments on Shedeur Sanders Being a Fifth-Round Prospect
Sanders was once a contender to go No. 1 overall, but that changed after the NFL Combine, with Cam Ward rising up and eventually getting picked first by the Tennessee Titans.
Sanders was still viewed as the second-best QB prospect, arguably facing competition only from Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, who was selected at No. 25 overall, with the New York Giants trading up to secure him.
As he slid into Day 3, many feared Sanders might go undrafted, but the Browns eventually went for him at No. 144 overall, and Warner gave his take on the situation.
“My evaluation was the most accurate quarterback I thought in this draft,” Warner said on “The Jim Rome Show”. “When he sets his feet, when he’s comfortable in the pocket… the ball goes where he wants it to go.”
Even if his game still needs refinement, Sanders’ college résumé is impressive. In his final season at Colorado, he threw for over 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions, despite being sacked 42 times behind a shaky offensive line.
He showed poise under pressure and consistently made plays while limiting turnovers — traits that translate well to the pro level.
“Shedeur was asked to win football games,” Warner added. “That can’t be overstated… throw the ball every single week for your team to be successful.”
Sanders turned Jackson State and Colorado into winning programs, the latter despite its shaky offensive line. With the Browns having a far better OL, Warner believes Sanders’ pinpoint accuracy could shine even brighter.
“You give him a good offensive line… does he make more decisions on time and use that accuracy?” Warner asked. “I really like Shedeur. “You give him a good offensive line… does he make more decisions on time and use that accuracy?” Warner asked. “I really like Shedeur. He wasn’t a fifth-round prospect in my opinion…I think he looked really really good, and I’m excited to see how this Cleveland QB room plays out.”
While the rookie minicamp offered no clear-cut winner, Sanders made his presence felt. He was consistently one of the last players off the field, putting extra time on mechanics and footwork.
Gabriel may have looked a bit more polished at times, and Flacco’s experience is hard to overlook, but Sanders’ energy, arm strength, and leadership have him as one of the top favorites for the starting job.