Shedeur Sanders wasn’t supposed to slip to the fifth round.
Long considered a first-round lock and the second-best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft behind Cam Ward, Sanders didn’t come off the board until Day 3, when the Cleveland Browns finally picked him in the fifth round — only after reaching for quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
The fall was so precipitous that some NFL insiders suggested Sanders return to the collegiate ranks (even if he had to violate the rules to do so), while former players were convinced the league was involved in a collusion conspiracy against the Sanders family.
Still, the former Colorado Buffalo has immense talent, and he can repair his reputation as a star quarterback if he learns from his mistakes during the pre-draft process.
Cam Newton Offers Wisdom, Advice to Shedeur Sanders Ahead of Rookie Season
In the latest episode of his “4th & 1 with Cam Newton” podcast, the 2015 NFL MVP was asked about Sanders’ draft slide and how the maligned quarterback prospect could prove his doubters wrong.
“Lead with work, not clout,” Newton advised.
“He took on the persona of a DB, not a QB. As a defensive back, you’re able to do certain things. You can speak loud and be rambunctious and have that bravado. But, as a quarterback? Reminder, you are the CEO of that franchise,” Newton continued.
Newton then brought up the six parties Sanders has to impress in order to get his chance in Cleveland, including the team’s owner, the general manager, the head coach, the position coach, the players, and the fans. Ultimately, the former Carolina Panther concluded that Sanders’ draft slide could be a blessing in disguise.
“This is the best situation for Shedeur Sanders, because he has to claw his way to the top. Does he have the capabilities to do it? Absolutely! And if I’m in his camp, I’m telling him, ‘Let’s get to work.’ Control what you can control now. I do see Shedeur Sanders starting for the Cleveland Browns at some point this year.”
"It’s time to lead with WORK, not clout!" Shedeur Sanders just got his wake-up call…🗣🔥@CameronNewton's Hot Take of the Week out now!
📺: https://t.co/DmumsFwQ0e pic.twitter.com/8cCtrfTsGs
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show)
Sanders is coming off a dominant season, leading the Big 12 in completion rate (74.0%), passing yards (4,134), and passing touchdowns (37). The production is there, which is why he was a highly regarded QB prospect heading into the draft cycle.
However, a quarterback is expected to be a leader on and off the field, and Sanders’ history of throwing teammates under the bus and not taking accountability for his mistakes — which, as Colin Cowherd explained, bled into his combine interviews — rightfully gave teams pause about his intangibles and leadership qualities.
Which is why Newton is urging Sanders to focus on himself and lead by example, rather than with boisterous statements. It’s clear that Sanders has the talent to be the best signal-caller in a bizarre quarterback room — Cleveland currently employs Sanders, Gabriel, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson — but he has to pair the intangibles with his massive talent.
If the Colorado product can heed the former MVP’s advice and prove himself as a smart, steady leader on and off the field, the Browns may have found their quarterback of the future with the 144th overall pick in the draft.
