The biggest storyline coming out of Day 1 of the NFL Draft was Shedeur Sanders sliding into the second round. While most analysts anticipated a fall, many still expected him to be selected late in the first — but that moment never came.
Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant, who built his career with the Dallas Cowboys, shared a message of encouragement on his X account, urging Sanders to embrace the moment with the right mindset.
Dez Bryant Advice As Shedeur Sanders Slips in NFL Draft
Sanders’ draft slide is one of the most intriguing storylines of this year’s NFL Draft. Back in early March, before the combine, there was genuine talk that he could go No. 1 overall — potentially ahead of Cam Ward. But what followed was one of the rockiest pre-draft processes in recent memory.
From concerning interviews to reports of arrogance, the league’s perception of Sanders began to shift rapidly. One NFL assistant coach said his interview with Sanders was the worst he’s ever had, and from that moment, Sanders’ stock plummeted.
Once considered a top-five lock, then a possible top-10 pick, his best chance became the Pittsburgh Steelers — but when their turn came, they selected Derrick Harmon instead. Later, the New York Giants traded up for a quarterback, but that QB was Jaxson Dart.
A statement from Sanders earlier in the process, saying he was “interviewing teams the same way they were interviewing him,” backfired. On Thursday night, all 32 teams gave their response: Sanders wasn’t worth a first-round pick. And for a quarterback with a Hall of Fame father who won two Super Bowls, that’s a harsh reality check.
Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant posted a message of support on X after the first round, writing:
“It’s all a character test Shedeur Sanders, this moment is either going to make you or break you. How you choose to move forward will determine how great you are.”
It’s all a character test Shedeur Sanders, this moment is either going to make you or break you. How you choose to move forward will determine how great you are. 💲
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 25, 2025
After the draft’s first round concluded, Deion Sanders shared a post on Instagram where Shedeur commented, saying that everyone knew what happened “shouldn’t have happened,” and that they weren’t expecting it.
Despite all the negativity surrounding Sanders in recent weeks, it’s important to acknowledge that he’s still a highly capable quarterback with plenty of strengths that can translate to the NFL. His processing speed, understanding of defensive coverages, and ball placement are among the best in this year’s class.
Now, it’s time for growth. The league has spoken — and Sanders will need to listen. He’s expected to be one of the first names called on Day 2, and wherever he lands, his NFL career will begin not as a star, but as a player with something to prove.