The Cleveland Browns ended one of the most talked-about draft slides in recent memory on Saturday, April 26, trading up to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. The move brings to a close a dramatic wait for Sanders, who was once projected as a potential first-round selection and even a candidate for the top overall pick.
How Does Shedeur Sanders Fit in Cleveland?
Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class after a prolific college career. He led the nation with a 74% completion rate last season, threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, and was named the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Despite this, Sanders watched as five quarterbacks were selected ahead of him, including Dillon Gabriel, whom the Browns also picked in the third round.
Sanders’ unexpected fall was the subject of widespread speculation throughout the draft. While some executives reportedly had first-round grades on him, concerns persisted about his limited mobility, tendency to hold the ball too long, and questions about his arm strength and fit at the next level. Nonetheless, his production at Colorado, where he set the school record for touchdown passes and helped revitalize the program alongside his father, was undeniable.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been in flux for years, with the franchise cycling through 40 starting quarterbacks since returning to the NFL — the most in the league over that span. Last season, Cleveland relied on a rotation that included Jameis Winston, Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe.
Watson, still under a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, has struggled with injuries and consistency since joining the team.
By adding Sanders, the Browns secure a highly marketable and experienced quarterback who brings a winning pedigree from both Jackson State and Colorado. Sanders’ ability to perform under pressure — he completed 74% of his passes with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions when blitzed last season — could be an asset as Cleveland looks for stability at the position.
“After many speculated the Browns might take Shedeur Sanders second overall, the Colorado QB does end up in Cleveland after all … 142 picks later. No matter what you think of Sanders’ personality or the potential off-field distraction that he comes with, this is an absurd value for a player who was a consensus Round 2 player at worst entering the draft. Cleveland immediately becomes the most fascinating training camp QB competition,” said PFSN’s Stats & Insights team.
“Sanders joins a fray that includes third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Who wins that is anyone’s guess, but Sanders should have every opportunity to play for last year’s 32nd-ranked offense by most metrics (including PFSN’s Offense+). At this price point, Sanders comes with no risk. Since 2000, no QB drafted in the fifth round has started more than 18 games (A.J. Feeley and Sam Howell).”
“Howell or former Texans QB T.J. Yates was probably the most successful passer out of that group, and Howell has already been traded twice after getting dealt minutes before the Browns picked Sanders. Even if he never develops into an above-average regular, Sanders comes with more upside than almost any QB picked at this point in recent NFL history.”
Grade: A
