Shedeur Sanders suffered one of the most shocking draft-day slides in recent memory. He entered the pre-draft process viewed as a potential first-round pick and even a top-five overall selection.
The former Colorado Buffaloes star was projected to be one of the top two quarterbacks off the board, along with former Miami Hurricanes star Cam Ward, who went first overall. Despite the projections, Sanders wound up sliding to day three, where the Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round.
There has been plenty of chatter about what led to his slide, with some attributing it to his father, Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Although it is unlikely that fans will ever know the true reason for his draft day slide, the younger Sanders appears to be making the most out of his opportunity with the Browns— something that a former Heisman Trophy winner who spent one season in Cleveland took note of.
Shedeur Sanders Praised For His Performance During OTAs
Sanders has faced, arguably, more criticism than any fifth-round pick in NFL history, and he has yet to play a snap in the league. While he is battling for the Browns’ starting quarterback job, former NFL player and analyst Robert Griffin III recently claimed that he has the look of a first-round quarterback, tweeting:
“When you watch all the clips of Shedeur Sanders, you see why his tape said he was a 1st Round QB. He plays with NFL timing and rhythm, reads with his feet, plays ahead of the defense, has more than enough arm strength, and he knows how to layer the ball. 🔥”
When you watch all the clips of Shedeur Sanders, you see why his tape said he was a 1st Round QB. He plays with NFL timing and rhythm, reads with his feet, plays ahead of the defense, has more than enough arm strength and he knows how to layer the ball. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9tW8IdX0Gs
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII)
While Sanders has thrived in organized team activities, the true test will come in training camp and the preseason. The former Buffaloes star is competing with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel for the starting role.
Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing an NCAA-best 74.0% of his passes. He also rushed for four touchdowns in his final season of college football. He was named an All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year while taking home the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
